COVERED HORSE-DRAWN NARROW-GAUGE LINE SVORNOST – JOSEF
Introduction
Jáchymov contains many historical features that are no longer clearly visible and survive only in fragments or on old photographs. One of them is the narrow-gauge horse-drawn line linking the Svornost Mine with the processing area and spoil tip at the Josef Mine. The track was roofed along its entire length, making it clearly recognisable in historical images. Careful observers can still identify its remains in the terrain.
History
The line measured about 630 metres and was used to transport waste rock from Svornost to the spoil tip at Josef. The material was hauled by trains of five to six mine wagons pulled by horses, each wagon holding roughly 0.3 cubic metres.
The exact date of construction is uncertain. The town chronicle mentions 1882, yet illustrations of the line exist from before the great town fire of 1873, suggesting it must be older. A map from 1842 shows a water channel along the later route, carrying water from Svornost to Josef. A likely construction period is therefore around 1850, during the modernisation of the Svornost Mine after it was taken over by the state.
The line lost its purpose after 1901, when mining at Svornost declined significantly following flooding of the workings.
Present state
The spoil tip at Josef is now completely covered by a massive waste heap from the period of intensive uranium mining, which filled the entire side valley, including the beginning of the former imperial road leading via Popov to Mariánská and on to Hroznětín.
Only small traces of the railway survive today. Near Svornost, remnants of rails leading from the shaft toward the miners’ stairs can still be found, while near the Josef Mine parts of retaining walls remain visible. These fragments quietly testify to the former transport infrastructure of Jáchymov’s mining industry.
Photo gallery: http://www.palfi.cz/fotoalbum/historicke-bohatstvi/dulni-cinnost/kryta-uzkokolejka/
