One-half mile northwest is the site of the Bon Jellico coal mine and camp, which operated from 1912-1937. While kneeling or sitting, miners dug the 24-40 inch coal seam with mostly picks and shovels. A total of 350 miners worked here. The annual production of nearly 100,000 tons of Blue Gem coal was sent via the L&N Railroad spur line to Savoy. The camp included 75 houses, a three-room school that also served as a church, and a company store. Although the mine had electricity, there was no plumbing or electricity in the homes, school, or store. During its 25-year history, around 1,500 people lived in Bon Jellico, among them teachers, students, quilters, and homemakers. The mine was closed mostly due to depletion of the coal.