Matriarchs of St. Charles

In the rugged landscape of Southwest Virginia, the history of the coal industry is often told through the lens of the men in the mines. Matriarchs of St. Charles shifts the focus to the sunlight above the shafts, documenting the lives of the women who built the foundation of the St. Charles coal camps.This work is an intimate exploration of the "e;unseen labor"e; that kept the region alive. Through a collection of oral histories, community records, and personal reflections, Jerry Buchanan honors the resilience of the women of Lee County. From the company store to the one-room schoolhouse, these stories highlight the mothers, healers, and educators who transformed a harsh industrial environment into a home.