The Imperial Smokeless Coal Company was established on June 5, 1919, by Quin Martin and Walter Seal Wood in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The company’s name, “Imperial Smokeless,” reflected the high-quality, low-volatile coal it produced, which burned cleaner than traditional bituminous coal. The town of Quinwood, where the company was headquartered, derives its name from the founders’ surnames: Quin (from Quin Martin) and Wood (from Walter Wood). snaccooperative.org+3Wikipedia+3Numista+3coalcampusa.com
Imperial Smokeless began operations in 1920, opening its first mine in Quinwood. The company expanded its mining activities in the mid-1940s by opening the Quinwood No. 2 and No. 3 mines in neighboring Nicholas County. These mines tapped into the Sewell coal seam, known for its high-grade smokeless coal. coalcampusa.com+4snaccooperative.org+4Numista+4coalcampusa.com+1meadowbluff.com+1
The company played a significant role in the development of Quinwood, constructing housing, a company store, and other infrastructure to support its workers and their families. Imperial Smokeless also issued its own scrip—tokens used as currency within the company town—which are now collectible items. Numista
In 1940, Walter Wood sold the company to the Vera Pocahontas Coal Company of Welch, West Virginia. Seven years later, in 1947, the company was acquired by the Sprague family of Massachusetts, who were involved in the fuel wholesale business. The company was reincorporated in Delaware in 1963 and eventually sold to Westmoreland Coal Company in 1969. By 1971, Imperial Smokeless was merged into Westmoreland as a division. Wikipedia+3Numista+3OCLC+3Numista+2snaccooperative.org+2OCLC+2Wikipedia+4OCLC+4Numista+4
The mines previously operated by Imperial Smokeless were gradually closed under Westmoreland’s ownership. The Quinwood No. 3 mine ceased operations in 1958, and the No. 2 mine continued until 1971. Westmoreland reopened the No. 2 mine area as the “Lady H” mining operation, which was later acquired by A.T. Massey and operated into the 21st century. Wikipediacoalcampusa.com
Today, while the Imperial Smokeless Coal Company no longer exists, its legacy endures in Quinwood. The town’s name serves as a lasting tribute to its founders, and a Miners’ Memorial stands on the site of the former company store, honoring the coal miners who contributed to the region’s history. coalcampusa.com