First united mine workers union meeting in Lynch

In addition to forming unions, miners in company towns found other outlets for their loyalty. The churches, fraternal associations, and social clubs they formed put them in touch with denominational and organizational structures nationwide, for 

The company towns of the Appalachian coalfields provide a telling look at the systems of social control exercised by corporate America in the early 20th century. However, their story is not one of simple historical curiosity. They are part of a continuum that runs from ancient Egypt into the 21st century. Less than 200 mi (322 km) from mine Portal 31 in Lynch, Kentucky, is the contemporary company town of Georgetown, Kentucky, home of Toyota Motor Manufacturing. 

Georgetown, the surrounding Scott County, and to a lesser extent, the Commonwealth of Kentucky are dominated by Toyota. When the plant was located there during the late 1980 s the Commonwealth spent millions of dollars developing access roads on top of the tax abatements it provided the company. A multi-track railroad spur was also provided to serve the new plant. 

Georgetown, Kentucky is but one of the many contemporary examples of company towns. There are also vertical company towns located in skyscrapers in major cities, where white collar employees can work, work out, shop, eat and sleep under one roof. The company town has changed dramatically over time, but it has not disappeared from the physical or social landscape. 

Shifnett (1991 48) describes the evolution of Appalachian coal towns as early pioneer years, years of paternalism, and years of decline. Because of their rehance on a single industry, company towns are highly vulnerable to market fluctuations, technological changes, and economic 

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Fig. 106.12 First united mine workers union meeting in Lynch...

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