Coal mining in Coffeen began in 1889, taking advantage of a seam 5.8 to 8 feet thick. The coal was found at 450 feet or more below the surface. 

We hope that a former miner with a major mining collection in his home will donate his material so that an appropriate museum may be created. It can be noted that the great labor leader of the coal miners, General Alexander Bradley, engaged in one of his most dramatic actions in Coffeen (see our story map).

In 2022 the population of Coffeen was 610. The small size of the post office attests to this demography.

(David W. Gates, Jr.)