Around 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 20, 1968, the No. 9 Mine exploded. Although a cause was never determined for the blast that killed 78 miners, it was the beginning of new laws and regulations to better protect miners in America.

The memorial is surrounded by a fence and the gate will be open on most major holidays to allow visitors to park close to the memorial. There is an opening to the left of the gate for pedestrian traffic.