Production of coal in Oklahoma hit its peak during World War I and began to decline with a brief uptick during World War II. In the end, the rise of Oklahoma oil production, the use electric power fueled by natural gas, and rail cars converting from coal to diesel fuel led to the end of deep shaft mining in Oklahoma. Although the legacy of coal might be difficult to see today, it lives on in the place-names left behind. McAlester, Haileyville, Dow, Wilburton, Adamson, and Phillips are just a few towns that bear the names of coal mine owners.