Line 23, located between Thomas and Davis, was the first mine opened by the company, and was in operation by 1884. They were prepared to export when the railway arrived the following year. By 1892, with 1,600 employees, Davis Coal & Coke became well known as one of the largest coal companies in the world. Coke production ended in 1921, and coal mining has been greatly reduced.

However, Thomas has witnessed a rebirth with the formation of the new Historic Thomas Committee, as well as with the renovation of town buildings and homes like the Ladybug B&B.