Coal mining methods used in the U.S. during the 1854-1964 period varied according to geography, dates of operation, geologic conditions, the availability of capital and mining machinery, the state of technical knowledge, and custom. Geological conditions, such as the height and pitch of the coal seam, depth and nature of cover, and character of the roof and floor, played a decisive role in determining mining methods at the Council Ridge anthracite colliery in Pennsylvania, which operated from 1854-1964, and the Kay Moor No. 1 bituminous mine in West Virginia, which operated from 1901-1962.