In the dim and dangerous tunnels of 19th-century mines, many American and British miners believed they were not alone. Spirits, known as “knockers” in Cornwall, England, and “tommyknockers” in the United States, were thought to inhabit the mines, serving as both helpful guides and mischievous troublemakers. These tales of mine spirits have become an enduring part of folklore, weaving together stories of mystery, superstition, and survival.
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The Cornish Knockers: Legends from Across the Sea
The legend of the mine spirits began in Cornwall, England, where miners believed that knockers lived and worked alongside them in the tin mines. These spirits, often described as small, human-like figures dressed in miniature versions of miner’s clothing, were thought to be the ghosts of Jews sent by the Romans to work in the mines as punishment for the death of Christ. According to folklore, this is why knockers could not tolerate the sign of the cross, leading miners to avoid making any markings that resembled an X while working underground.
Knockers were known for their knocking sounds, which miners believed indicated the location of rich ore deposits. They were seen as friendly and helpful spirits, alerting miners to impending cave-ins or guiding them toward valuable lodes. However, they could also be mischievous, stealing unattended tools and food. Despite their tricks, miners viewed knockers with affection and respect, believing that offering them food would keep them in good spirits and avoid trouble.
Tommyknockers in American Mines: Friend or Foe?
When Cornish miners arrived in America during the California Gold Rush of 1848, they brought with them their beliefs in knockers. In the U.S., these spirits became known as tommyknockers and were often considered protective guardians of the mines. Like their Cornish counterparts, tommyknockers were believed to make knocking sounds to warn miners of danger or lead them to rich veins of ore.
However, not all tommyknockers were friendly. In some cases, they were said to display more malicious behavior, akin to the vicious German mine spirits called “kobolds.” For example, at the Mamie R. Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, miners reported being lured by malevolent tommyknockers who would then jump up and down on beams until they collapsed. These tommyknockers were also blamed for snapping cables and causing premature explosions. Miners claimed they could hear the spirits snickering as they wreaked havoc in the dark tunnels.
The Enduring Belief in Mine Spirits
Despite these darker tales, most miners viewed tommyknockers as helpful and protective companions. Cornish miners, often called “Cousin Jacks,” were particularly known for their loyalty to these spirits. During the California Gold Rush, these miners became sought after for their expertise and were often credited with knowing when to escape collapsing shafts—thanks to the guidance of their knocker friends.
The belief in tommyknockers persisted well into the 20th century. When a large mine closed in 1956, a group of Cornish miners petitioned the owners to release the knockers trapped inside so they could move on to other mines. The owners complied, sealing the mine entrance with a small opening left for the spirits to escape. This gesture demonstrated the enduring respect and fear that these mythical beings commanded.
Tommyknockers Today: Haunting the Abandoned Mines
Today, stories of tommyknockers continue to intrigue and captivate. Many believe that these spirits still inhabit the abandoned mines across the United States, particularly in the Southwest. Visitors to old mining sites often report hearing faint knocking sounds or feeling sudden chills. Some have even claimed to see small, ghostly figures flitting through the darkness.
These tales have cemented tommyknockers as a fascinating part of mining folklore. Though the days of active mines are long gone, the legend of these ghostly guardians endures, reminding us of the miners who once trusted their lives to unseen companions in the depths below.
A Living Folklore
Miners across America once believed tommyknockers were more than just spirits—they were friends, protectors, and occasional pranksters who shared in the perils of working underground. Even today, the legend of the tommyknockers continues to be told, celebrated, and believed, keeping alive the mysterious folklore of the mines.
