<p>In the early days of coal mining in Washington state, mine operators used mules to haul the coal cars out of the mines and do other heavy work. Mule drivers worked and care for the mules, which were often stabled underground. Washington state laws later required that the animals be brought outside periodically to rest and recuperate from their hard labor. In the 1920s, coal companies began to replace mules with electric engines.
This 1910s photographic postcard shows mule drivers, mules and two white horses at a Renton Coal Company mine in Renton, Washington. Judging by the photograph, this mine seems to have had an above-ground mule barn.</p>
<p>Caption on image: Mules And Drivers, Renton Mine, Renton Wash.

Caption by MOHAI staff.</p>
<ul><li>Subjects (LCTGM): Mules--Washington (State)--Renton; Muleteers--Washington (State)--Renton; Horses--Washington (State)--Renton; Barns--Washington (State)--Renton; Mining--Washington (State)--Renton</li></ul>
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Unknown author<span style="display: none;">Unknown author</span></div>
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