Large amounts of anthracite coal rested underneath Plains.
In 1808, Henry Stark of Plains succeeded in burning anthracite coal in a grate.
This was the second successful attempt in the region (after Judge Jesse Fell).
This resulted in the widespread use of anthracite coal as a fuel source.
Throughout the 1800s, canals and railroads were constructed to aid in the mining and transportation of coal.
The mining industry in Luzerne County boomed.
Farming was a major way of life in Plains prior to the mining industry.
Farmland was replaced by great collieries, breakers, canals, and railroads.

As a result of the growing population in Plains, it was officially made a township on November 10, 1851.
Plains Township was formed from sections of Wilkes-Barre Township and Pittston Township.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Luzerne County was in the midst of an economic boom.
Industry, which included manufacturing and coal mining, drew thousands of immigrants (mostly from Europe) to the region.
By the mid-20th century, anthracite production was declining at a fairly steady rate.
Consumers were gradually switching from coal to other forms of energy (e.g., oil, gas, and electricity).
The Knox Mine Disaster was the final blow to the industry.
On January 22, 1959, the Susquehanna River broke through the River Slope Mine in Port Griffith, Jenkins Township (just north of Plains Township).
The incident claimed twelve lives.
In the following months, two of the area's largest coal companies announced a full withdrawal from the anthracite business.
Thousands of jobs were lost and the mining industry never recovered in Luzerne County.

In the early 21st century, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (along PA 315) became one of Pennsylvania’s first casinos.
The casino features over 2,300 slots, and live tables for blackjack, roulette, and poker.
The casino opened in November 2006.
In November 2013, Mohegan Sun opened a hotel (which is connected to the casino floor).
Large amounts of anthracite coal rested underneath Plains. In 1808, Henry Stark of Plains succeeded in burning anthracite coal in a grate. This was the second successful attempt in the region (after Judge Jesse Fell). This resulted in the widespread use of anthracite coal as a fuel source. Throughout the 1800s, canals and railroads were constructed to aid in the mining and transportation of coal. The mining industry in Luzerne County boomed. Farming was a major way of life in Plains prior to the mining industry. Farmland was replaced by great collieries, breakers, canals, and railroads.
As a result of the growing population in Plains, it was officially made a township on November 10, 1851. Plains Township was formed from sections of Wilkes-Barre Township and Pittston Township.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Luzerne County was in the midst of an economic boom. Industry, which included manufacturing and coal mining, drew thousands of immigrants (mostly from Europe) to the region. By the mid-20th century, anthracite production was declining at a fairly steady rate. Consumers were gradually switching from coal to other forms of energy (e.g., oil, gas, and electricity). The Knox Mine Disaster was the final blow to the industry. On January 22, 1959, the Susquehanna River broke through the River Slope Mine in Port Griffith, Jenkins Township (just north of Plains Township). The incident claimed twelve lives. In the following months, two of the area's largest coal companies announced a full withdrawal from the anthracite business. Thousands of jobs were lost and the mining industry never recovered in Luzerne County.
In the early 21st century, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (along PA 315) became one of Pennsylvania’s first casinos. The casino features over 2,300 slots, and live tables for blackjack, roulette, and poker. The casino opened in November 2006. In November 2013, Mohegan Sun opened a hotel (which is connected to the casino floor).
Plains Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania