Jesse Fell (1756-1830) was a pivotal figure in early American history, recognized for his significant contributions as an influential political leader and a transformative innovator in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Beyond his public service, where he served as an Associate Judge of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, Fell etched his name in the annals of industrial progress through his pioneering work with anthracite coal.

Unlocking the Potential of Anthracite Coal

Anthracite, often called "hard coal," presented a paradox to early settlers. Abundant in northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly in the Wyoming Valley, its high carbon content and low volatile matter promised a powerful, clean-burning fuel. However, its very nature made it incredibly difficult to ignite and sustain combustion in traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Unlike wood, which typically burns with a top draft, anthracite requires a strong, consistent draft from beneath the coal bed to reach and maintain the high temperatures necessary for efficient combustion. This fundamental difference prevented its widespread adoption for domestic heating or industrial applications, despite its potential to replace dwindling timber resources. While blacksmiths had used anthracite in specialized forges, a practical method for general heating remained elusive.

Judge Fell's Breakthrough: The Open-Air Grate of 1808

On January 11, 1808, Jesse Fell demonstrated a simple yet revolutionary solution that would forever change America's energy landscape. Recognizing anthracite's unique requirements, Judge Fell ingeniously designed and successfully employed an open-air grate in his Wilkes-Barre home. This innovative grate allowed air to circulate freely from beneath the coal bed, creating the essential bottom draft needed to ignite and efficiently burn anthracite. His successful demonstration proved unequivocally that anthracite was not only a viable but also a superior heating fuel for homes and businesses. This method was a significant advancement, moving beyond limited industrial applications to make anthracite accessible for widespread domestic use.

Fueling the Industrial Revolution: The Lasting Impact of Anthracite

Fell's groundbreaking 'discovery' – the practical method for burning anthracite – quickly catalyzed the widespread adoption of coal across the nascent United States. The availability of a clean, high-BTU (British Thermal Unit) fuel source like anthracite was a critical factor in America's rapid industrialization. It provided the immense power for steam engines, fueled iron furnaces for steel production, and drove the machinery of burgeoning factories. This fundamental shift from wood to coal profoundly impacted resource management, spurred urbanization, and accelerated economic development, laying the foundation for modern industrial society. The coal regions of Pennsylvania, particularly the Wyoming Valley, became central to the nation's energy supply, driving significant economic growth and migration.

The Legacy of the Fell House and Tavern

Jesse Fell resided and operated his successful tavern, known as the Fell House and Tavern, at the intersection of Washington and Northampton Streets in Wilkes-Barre until his death in 1830. This historic building, a tangible testament to his life and ingenuity, stood for over 170 years, witnessing generations of change. Tragically, the Fell House met its end in 1982 when it was demolished by Wyoming Valley Health Care. The site was cleared to make way for a new parking lot, a decision that sparked considerable local debate and regret among historical preservationists in the community.

Fragments of History: The Grate and Reclaimed Bricks

While the original structure is gone, pieces of its history endure. The very bricks that formed the walls of the historic Fell House were salvaged during its demolition. These reclaimed bricks now hold a unique place in the residence of Wayne Segar in Bear Creek, Pennsylvania, serving as a tangible link to the past. Furthermore, the actual open-air grate that Jesse Fell ingeniously designed and used for his pioneering anthracite burning demonstration remains a cherished artifact. It is carefully preserved and proudly held in the extensive collections of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, located in Wilkes-Barre. This esteemed institution, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and geology of the Wyoming Valley, offers visitors a direct connection to this pivotal moment in American industrial history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jesse Fell and Anthracite

Who was Jesse Fell?

Jesse Fell (1756-1830) was an influential political leader and an Associate Judge in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He is most famously known for successfully demonstrating how to burn anthracite coal in an open-air grate, a breakthrough that significantly impacted American industry and heating practices.

What was Jesse Fell's major contribution?

Fell's major contribution was proving that anthracite coal could be efficiently burned as a heating fuel in an open-air grate, specifically on January 11, 1808. This innovation overcame the challenge of anthracite's need for a bottom draft, making it accessible for widespread domestic and industrial use.

Why was burning anthracite a challenge before Fell's method?

Anthracite coal requires a strong, consistent draft of air from beneath to ignite and sustain combustion at high temperatures. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces, which relied on a top draft, were unsuitable for anthracite, making it difficult to use as a practical fuel source.

How did Fell's method impact the Industrial Revolution?

By making anthracite a viable and abundant fuel, Fell's method provided the energy necessary to power the burgeoning industries of America. It fueled steam engines, iron and steel production, and factory machinery, significantly accelerating the Industrial Revolution and fostering economic growth.

What happened to the historic Fell House and Tavern?

The Fell House and Tavern, where Jesse Fell lived and conducted his famous demonstration, was demolished in 1982 by Wyoming Valley Health Care to build a parking lot. Despite its destruction, some of its original bricks were salvaged and are now part of a private residence, while Fell's original grate is preserved by the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society.

Where can I see Jesse Fell's original grate?

The original open-air grate used by Jesse Fell for his anthracite burning demonstration is preserved and held in the collections of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Visitors interested in this pivotal artifact are encouraged to contact the society for exhibition details.