Big Brutus Museum

Big Brutus is not just any mining equipment; it's a colossal electric mining shovel that played a pivotal role in the coal industry during the mid-20th century. Located in West Mineral, Kansas, this iconic piece of machinery stands as a reminder of the region’s industrial heritage and is now a significant tourist attraction, museum, and educational hub. Built in 1962 by the Bucyrus-Erie Company, Big Brutus was used to remove overburden (the rock and soil covering coal seams) from the land, making the extraction of coal easier for the smaller machines. This enormous machine is 160 feet tall and weighs a staggering 11 million pounds. Its bucket alone could hold up to 150 tons of material, making it the second-largest electric shovel in the world at the time of its operation. Big Brutus worked the Kansas coalfields until it was retired in 1974, following the decline of surface mining in the region. Today, Big Brutus stands as a testament to the region’s industrial past and is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can walk up to the machine, explore inside the shovel's cab, and learn more about the coal mining industry through the museum's exhibits. The museum not only offers an up-close look at Big Brutus but also features displays about mining history, environmental impact, and the technological advancements that shaped the industry. Designated as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, Big Brutus continues to attract visitors from all over the country. It's more than a mining relic; it’s a symbol of hard work, ingenuity, and the evolution of industrial machinery, making it a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike.