On November 6, 1923, a methane explosion at the Glen Rogers coal mine in Wyoming County killed 27 men, the worst disaster in county history. Officials said the blast was caused by an inexperienced crew that accidentally changed airflow, allowing gas to build up. A spark from an electric drill set off the explosion. Most victims died instantly or from the gas; two drowned trying to escape.

The mine, opened in 1921, grew to employ nearly 1,000 men and became one of the largest in the state. Over the years, three more accidents occurred at Glen Rogers, bringing the total death toll to 160 before the mine closed in 1960.