Big Brutus, a steam shovel towering sixteen stories high and weighing eleven million pounds, is one of the largest attractions in Southeastern Kansas. Located in the small town of West Mineral, Big Brutus, now retired, brings in thousands of tourist yearly. This gigantic steam shovel was constructed between 1962 and 1963, taking eleven months and costing approximately 6.5 million dollars to construct. Built to strip mine the dirt, or overburden, form the coal layer, Big Brutus cleared the way for other equipment and machines too come in and mine the coal in the surrounding area. According to Janet Britt, a local volunteer since the opening of Big Brutus as a tourist site, three people were required to operate Big Brutus at all times: The grounds man, an oilier, and the operator, each with their own specific tasks. The grounds man took care of the driving of Big Brutus, while the operator controlled the bucket or "scoop" of the steam shovel that dug up the soil and earth. Meanwhile, the oilier took care of checking the oil barrels to make sure they were kept full and that the automatic oiling system of Big Brutus was working.

Although it only took three men to operate, Big Brutus still played an important role in nearby communities. According to Britt, after Big Brutus was built, it created thousands of mining jobs for people all around. Earlier mining in the 1800's had already attracted clusters of ethnic groups to the surrounding area. Then, in the 1960's Big Brutus created more small town communities around its mining spots. Working twenty-four hours a day and only moving two-tenths of a mile per hour, it took Big Brutus fifty-four seconds to scoop up a load of dirt, dump it, and return. Initially, the mining company under which Big Brutus was owned, P & M, created many jobs for people; consequently, a hardship for many was created when Big Brutus was forced to shut down in 1974 due to economic problems and stricter EPA regulations. With no buyers on the market for a gigantic steam shovel; and being too costly to take apart for scrap, it was decided that Big Brutus would be given away. How then, was it, that Big Brutus' final resting place was in West Mineral? "It was basically too big to move," Britt said.

Now maintained by a non-profit organization called Big Brutus Incorporated, Big Brutus is governed by a board of fifteen volunteer directors. Each year between 35,000 and 40,000 people make it out to visit Big Brutus, the peak season being from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Although the site's hours fluctuate from season to season--the summer having longer hours, Big Brutus remains open throughout the year. The museum is filled with historical articles as well as pictures of the coal mining day of Southeastern Kansas. Admission to get a closer look at Big Brutus and climb to the top in $4.00 for adults, and $2.50 for children twelve and under. Big Brutus is located seven miles north of Columbus, Kansas and six miles west on K102.

Big Brutus also celebrates annual festivities throughout the year. According to Britt, on the first weekend of June a Miner's Day Reunion is held where "retired miners come out and swap stories at the shelter house." Then in August a polka-fest is held with a polka dance, old fashioned beer garden and lots of sausage.

Although retired now, Big Brutus serves as a reminder of an era passed in Southeastern Kansas coal mining history. Britt, who as a child was able to watch Big Brutus at work, was amazed at its size and capabilities. "To see Big Brutus at work during the night with all the lights on was just spectacular," Britt said. Amazed by it then and still amazed today, Britt encourages visitors to walk around the museum located at the entrance of Big Brutus as wells as the steam shovel itself.

Researched and prepared by Angela Bresnick in an interview conducted in October of 2000 at Big Brutus with Janet Britt.