Mining Lignite Coal

Lignite coal mining near Fairview began as early as the 1860's. Northwest of here on Fairview Hill, the Jennison Mine began underground mining in 1913. Each shift of 30 men could produce up to 125 tons per day, and the coal was shipped as far as Minnesota. Production peaked in 1935 with 600 rail cars shipped, and that same year power tools such as the air drive were introduced into the mine. Warren Jennison also built a brick factory and an electric generating plant, which supplied electricity locally and south to Sidney. This plant was the beginning of Montana Dakota Utilities. Fairview Hill produced coal, bricks, and power until mining ceased in 1939.

Fairview, Montana · United States