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The Burdale Historical Association

The Conjure Quake Event

What happened?

​The Conjure Quake Event was a seismic event that occurred within/atop Conjure Mountain on October 21, 1864. The quake caused the coal mine beneath Conjure Mountain to collapse,  leaving 23 miners trapped until they starved to death. The event flattened  the peak

October 21, 1864 - Locals watch in horror as smoke emits from the destroyed peak of Conjure Mountain

of the mountain, creating what would eventually be referred to by the locals as Witch’s Landing. Seven people, made up of Sheriff Claude Henderson, his four deputies, Arthur Myers (a school teacher), Birdie Baker (a miner’s widow), and Barty Aldrich (the local barkeep), made the trek to the peak to investigate, discovering a fissure in the rock which was created by a buildup of natural gasses. When the pressure became too much, the explosion occured causing the earth to shake thus collapsing the mine. Sheriff Henderson, Deputies Henry Abbott and Leroy Boyd, and school teacher Arthur Myers all died soon after contracting a sickness, seemingly due to an unhealthy exposure to the natural gasses leaking from the mountain. Birdie Baker, Deputy Glenn Bank, and Barty Aldrich also fell ill but fortunately recovered.

 

As for the trapped miners, the collapse was such that it was too dangerous to attempt to recover the bodies. The bodies of the 23 miners have remained in the collapsed mine for the last 150 years, leaving little closure for their families and descendants over a century later.

November 3, 1864 - Newspapers are sold with articles highlighting those who perished in the collapse

The aftermath

In the aftermath of the collapse, our small town faced an immense challenge. State agents swiftly mobilized to contain the gas leak at the mountain's peak, employing specialized equipment and techniques to stabilize the area. Teams worked  tirelessly to  monitor

gas levels, ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment while preventing further releases of pressure. The cleanup process involved sealing off the fissure and venting the remaining gases, a task that required precision and collaboration among experts. As the mountain was gradually secured, the townsfolk began to witness the first signs of recovery.

 

Recognizing the emotional toll of the tragedy, community leaders initiated a campaign to unite Burdaliens and foster a sense of hope. The "Never Forget Our Heroes" campaign was successful in bringing the town together like never before. Town meetings were held to discuss the recovery efforts and to reassure residents that together, they could overcome this dark chapter. Support networks were established, providing resources for those affected by the loss of loved ones and livelihoods. Through shared stories and collective resilience, the town began to heal, proving that even in the face of adversity, the strength of community can light the path toward a brighter future.

Burdale today

In the wake of the tragic mine collapse that shook Burdale to it's core, our community faced a pivital  transformation. Once

Today, Burdale is home to the country's smallest nuclear power plant, nestled between Conjure Mountain and Mt. West

reliant on coal for our livelihood, we embraced a new future by transitioning first to hydorelectricy by constructing and utilizing Casper Dam, and later to nuclear energy. This bold move not only revitalized the local economy but also positioned Burdale as home to the country's smallest nuclear power plant. Located in what locals refer to as "Old Burdale", our power plant powers over 900 homes and businesses daily. With an unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability, our wonderful town was able to turn a devastating event into an opportunity for growth and innovation, paving the way for a brighter, cleaner future.

In 1914, on the 50th anniversary of the collapse, Town Officals dedicated a memorial statue to the 23 miners who lost their lives in the tragic accident. Located at Spellbind Park, just yards away from the collapsed mine entrance, an annual memorial ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who worked tirelessly in the mines for decades in order to make life better for the members of their community. Residents and descendants come together, gathering around the statue to share stories and leave candles in remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of the miners lives on. This tradition not only commemorates the past but

also strengthens our bond, reflecting our bold resilience and commitment to never forget those who gave their lives in pursuit of a better Burdale.

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*The Burdale Historical Association Museum is a fictional place and does not actually exist.

The exhibits at The Burdale Historical Association Museum are made possible by the generous contributions from The Town Of Burdale and The Never County Sheriff's Office

The content of this website is fiction created for the purpose of lore expansion and is in no way related to any real person or organization.

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