After coal was discovered in Cherokee and Crawford Counties in the late 1860's, thousands came to work the mines, with most arriving as immigrants from Europe and more than fifty nationalities settling in the area. Many landed at Ellis Island and traveled by railroad to the coal camps, seeking work, escape from repression, or a new life in America. Instead of the promised "Paradise on Earth," they found a difficult and dangerous existence, living in camps and digging coal on their hands and knees for ten to twelve hours a day. Many were killed, and many more were maimed or later died of Black Lung Disease. Because coal was dug only part of the year, numerous miners established businesses and farms to support their families when the mines were idle. The Weir-Pittsburg Coalfield eventually included more than 100 coal camps, and at one time the region produced a third of the nation's bituminous coal while also smelting lead and zinc ore in quantities that made Southeast Kansas an industrial giant. The mix of nationalities created an ethnic geography unique to Kansas known as "The Little Balkans." Miners in the region not only dug coal but also gave voice and leadership to the United Mine Workers Union in efforts to establish the eight-hour work day, guarantee safe working conditions, secure equal pay for equal work, create child labor laws, and implement minority and women's rights. Their labor, community building, and struggle for social reform shaped southeast Kansas, and their presence endured in their descendants and in the businesses, farms, and towns they established.