Stollen Turteltaube

Deep within the Nachtigallmulde valley, the Stollen Turteltaube whispers tales of Dortmund’s mining past. Stollen Turteltaube wasn’t just a single tunnel. It was a two-winged operation, each with its own separate entrance, burrowing into the earth in pursuit of precious coal. This mine, active until the mid-19th century, played a vital role in the region’s industrial growth. Established in 1731, Stollen Turteltaube initially focused on its south wing. The coal seam here, a mere 1.22 meters thick, lay tantalizingly close to the surface, almost grazing the valley’s slopes. Miners extracted the coal, loaded it onto simple, one-wheeled carts, and pushed them through the Turteltaube adit. This laborious process brought the “black gold” out into the daylight. In 1784, Freiherr vom Stein, a prominent Prussian official, visited Stollen Turteltaube. He noted the inefficient cart system and suggested a switch to using “Hunte,” larger, four-wheeled carts typically pulled by horses. He also recommended sinking a shaft for more efficient extraction. Although this specific mine remained a “Stollenzeche,” the observations reveal much about early mining methods. By 1792, Stollen Turteltaube had expanded its operations. A 1230-meter wooden track transported the coal to the Ruhr River. From there, it journeyed on barges, connecting the mine to a wider network of trade. The Stollen Turteltaube even joined forces with other mines in 1829 to construct the Muttentalbahn, a narrow-gauge railway that revolutionized transport in the valley. In 1830, the north wing of Stollen Turteltaube opened. It joined with the Zeche Vereinigte Nachtigall to access deeper coal reserves below the water table, utilizing the Neptun shaft. This collaborative effort showcases the evolving nature of mining practices. Ultimately, Stollen Turteltaube consolidated with Zeche Louisenglück in 1853, forming the Zeche Vereinigte Louisenglück. The Stollen Turteltaube’s story is one of ingenuity, collaboration, and adaptation. Today, its restored entrance serves as a poignant reminder of Dortmund’s mining heritage.