Fosse La Sentinelle, Coal mine and historical monument in La Sentinelle, France.
Fosse La Sentinelle is a coal mine with brick buildings that display industrial architecture from early 19th-century extraction in northern France. The site includes multiple structures spread across several streets, with remains showing how mining operations were organized above ground.
The mine began operations in 1818 under the management of the Compagnie des Mines d'Anzin. Production ceased in 1830 as coal deposits at deeper levels became harder to extract economically.
A former mining facility was transformed into a church in 1854, reflecting how industrial communities adapted their spaces as extraction ended.
The site spreads across multiple streets including Rue de Maubeuge and Rue du Cateau that run through the area. Regular inspections by geological authorities mean visitors should be respectful of any restricted sections and watch for signage.
The extraction shaft accessed coal deposits at roughly 64 meters depth, a significant achievement for its time. Reaching these deposits prompted the construction of worker housing estates to maintain a stable workforce nearby.
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