Newcastle, Washington, may now be known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community, but its history is deeply rooted in coal mining. In 1869, what was once a quiet agricultural village transformed into a bustling mining town, supplying the fuel that powered Seattle’s growth. At its peak, Newcastle had a larger population than Seattle, with hundreds of homes, a thriving town center, and extensive mining infrastructure.

Strategically located near key transportation routes, Newcastle became one of the most successful coal mining towns in the Pacific Northwest. The railway from Seattle ended near present-day Coal Creek Parkway, where coal washing plants and bunkers processed the town’s daily coal output—between 75 to 100 tons in the early 1870s. The coal mined in Newcastle was crucial to fueling economic expansion across the region, particularly in San Francisco, where it was shipped for sale.

For nearly a century, coal mining remained the backbone of Newcastle’s economy. However, as the industry declined, so did the town’s fortunes. When the Pacific Coast Coal Company departed in 1929, many coal-dependent towns faded into history. Yet, mining persisted in Newcastle until 1963, yielding a total of over 11 million tons of coal. Today, few physical remnants of the mining era remain, but Newcastle’s past is still visible in its place names, historic cemetery, and the network of wooded trails that were once home to mining operations.

Preserving Newcastle’s rich history remains a priority for the community. The Newcastle Historical Society has been instrumental in documenting and sharing the town’s mining heritage. The Historical Society’s 2020 edition of The Coals of Newcastle, A Hundred Years of Hidden History sheds new light on the lives of the miners, the geology of the region, and the contributions of diverse workers, including Chinese and Black laborers, who played vital roles in the industry.

As Newcastle moved beyond its mining era, it evolved into the thriving residential community it is today. On September 30, 1994, the city was officially incorporated as Newport Hills, but due to a similarly named area annexed by Bellevue, voters approved the name Newcastle in the November 8 election. This change honored the city's heritage and solidified its identity for the future.