3000 x 2000 px | 25,4 x 16,9 cm | 10 x 6,7 inches | 300dpi
Aufnahmedatum:
8. Oktober 2015
Ort:
Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
Weitere Informationen:
The Cape Breton Miners’ Museum in Glace Bay pays tribute to the contribution of the region’s coal miners and coal mining industry. The museum also features a fascinating exhibit on the geological development of Cape Breton’s coal field. The Miners’ Village, located next to the museum, allows you to step back in time and visit a company store and a home from the period 1850–1900. The history of coal mining on Cape Breton began over 250 years ago. In the early 1700’s, coal was needed in Louisbourg for the French to construct its Fortress. Coal was extracted from exposed seams along the cliffs and in 1720 the first coal mine was officially opened at Cow Bay, or Port Morien as it is now known. In the 1800’s, rows of company houses could be found at Morien, along with hundreds of miners. During the period of 1784-1820, coal deposits were mined on a small scale by either the colonial government or through lease by private individuals. In 1826, Frederick, Duke of York, was granted sole right by the Crown to all coal resources of Nova Scotia. The Duke subleased these rights to a syndicate of British investors called the General Mining Association who then sunk shafts mainly at Sydney Mines. The Association built workshops, company houses, a foundry and a railroad to North Sydney. In 1856, the General Mining Association surrendered its mining rights and the province invited independent operators to apply for leases and subleases. From 1858 to 1893, more than 30 coal mines were opened in the province, producing 700, 000 tonnes in the last year. In 1873, there were eight coal companies operating in Cape Breton. The miners were paid from 80 cents to a $1.50 per day and boys were paid 65 cents. The first large mine, the Hub Shaft of Glace Bay opened in 1861 and several other mines in Glace Bay and Sydney Mines opened within the next few years. In total, Glace Bay had 12 coal mines. In 1894, the government gave exclusive mining rights to an American syndicate, the Dominion Coal
