Knute Berger

Mossback's Northwest

Host Knute Berger mines the Pacific Northwest's historical and cultural nuggets. Learn hidden backstories behind the region's most interesting treasures and discover why they're still relevant today.

When Seattle cared more about coal than climate change

In the PNW, we are concerned about climate change and our dependence on fossil fuels – especially coal. But there was a time 100 years ago when coal was king in King County. Coal mines sprang up in Newcastle, Black Diamond, Renton, Issaquah and as far north as Bellingham. Seattle’s emerging commercial harbor shipped millions of tons of coal to the entire West Coast.