Francis Bacon Coal Yard – Philadelphia

This industrial enterprise was located on the East bank of the river at Spruce Street during the mid 19th century. With the discovery of Anthracite coal at Mauch Chunk in 1814, Philadelphia became a hub for coal distribution and export. By 1838, an estimated 500,000 tons of Pennsylvania Anthracite was sent to market for use in home heating, iron production and the new industry of gas production.