JEROME, Ariz. — Mine railways have long been used to help miners reach the depths of the Earth.
But, starting in the late 19th century, mining operations started to turn to electric powered trollies as a source of motive power.
While they were used in coal mines in the Appalachians, western operations were slower to implement electric power, in part because of their size and also because of their cost to operate and the fact they required heavier rails, according to Jerome State Historic Park. An example of an electric trolley is on display at the museum.
