In the rolling landscape of Perry County, Illinois, once stood one of the most ambitious mining operations in American history — the Captain Mine.

Opened in 1964, this massive surface coal mine became nationally recognized for housing the largest power shovel ever built: the legendary Marion 6360 stripping shovel, known simply as “The Captain.”

Its story is one of scale, innovation, and determination — a legacy of strength that continues to inspire the region today.

The Captain Mine began operations in 1964 under Southwestern Illinois Coal Corporation. In later years, ownership transitioned to Arch of Illinois, Inc., a subsidiary of Arch Coal.

At its peak, the mine represented industrial scale at its finest:

• Type: Surface coal mine
• Permitted Area: Over 44,000 acres
• Coal Seams: Herrin, Springfield, and Danville (typically 4–6 feet thick)

• 1964–1983: Approximately 78 million tons produced
• 1984–1998: Approximately 54 million tons produced
• Total Output: Nearly 133 million tons of coal

For more than three decades, the Captain Mine helped power industry and communities across the Midwest.

Commissioned on October 15, 1965, the Marion 6360 stripping shovel redefined what was possible in mining engineering.

Its sheer scale was unprecedented:

• Weight: Approximately 15,000 tons
• Boom Height: 215 feet
• Bucket Capacity: 180 cubic yards (roughly 300 tons per scoop)
• Power Consumption: Enough electricity to power a town of 30,000 people

Perhaps its most unique feature: it was the only shovel ever constructed with two dipper doors, each weighing 15 tons — a testament to both engineering creativity and industrial ambition.

In its era, nothing else compared. Mining historians often mention giants like the Silver Spade and Big Muskie, but The Captain stood alone in both design and scale.

On July 1, 1991, tragedy struck. A catastrophic fire destroyed The Captain while it was still in operation.

The mine itself continued producing coal until 1998, when it was permanently closed.

Today, the land has been reclaimed — transformed from industrial landscape to restored terrain — but the legend remains.

The Captain Mine represents more than coal production. It symbolizes American engineering ambition — the willingness to build boldly, think bigger, and push the boundaries of what infrastructure can accomplish.

That same spirit of scale, strength, and operational excellence continues in the region today.

Captain Terminals carries forward that legacy.

Now one of the largest privately held terminal operators in the Midwest, Captain Terminals operates six active locations with multiple connections to Class I rail service. Through strategic rail connectivity, transload capabilities, and storage-in-transit (SIT) solutions, we continue the region’s tradition of moving industry forward.

The Captain Mine once moved earth at historic scale.
Today, Captain Terminals moves freight with the same commitment to strength, reliability, and growth.