Early in the twentieth century, anthracite coal mining was the chief industry of this area, Northeastern Pennsylvania's historic Coal Region. While many mines were operated in the area, the borough developed about 4 miles south of Shenandoah as a predominantly residential community - for workers in and related to mining. With many immigrants to the borough and region, they developed businesses reflecting their cultures. In 1922, Frackville had its own independent brewery. This was short lived after Prohibition was implemented by a national constitutional amendment. (It was later repealed.)
