I. Culture II. History

---

II. History

The French during the 18th century were first to exploit the island's resources of fish and coal. After the fall of Louisbourg however, neither resource was as important to Britain. Britain, after all, controlled the rich Newfoundland and New England fisheries. Furthermore, Britain produced its own coal and did not relish the idea of competing with her own colonies. The result was that Cape Breton was closed to settlement until the arrival of the American Loyalists in 1785. The problem of where to place the thousands of Loyalists fleeing the newly created United States of America forced Britain to reopen Cape Breton to settlement.

Between 1802 and 1850, the Loyalists were joined by 35,000 Scots. By the 1850's, the island's agriculture had moved beyond the subsistence stage and farmers were beginning to export produce and livestock. During this period, permission was given to develop the extensive Sydney Coal Fields. For the rest of the century, small towns grew up around the pit-heads. Together with the capital of Sydney, these towns of Glace Bay, New Waterford, Dominion and Sydney Mines represent the industrial heartland of Cape Breton.

The balance of agriculture, fishing and heavy industry was upset by the extraordinary growth of the mining sector. As demand for coal increased, new mines opened, usually funded by American interests. In 1893, the small mines amalgamated under the aegis of the Dominion Coal Company. Hoping to absorb more of the mines' continually increasing production, the company went on to open the Sydney steel plant. Workers from eastern Europe and the Caribbean flocked to the island.

The industrial area played a key role in Canada's effort in two world wars. Convoys of merchant ships formed in Sydney Harbour prior to setting off across the Atlantic. The mines and the steel plant were working at full capacity. After World War II, however, coal was being replaced by oil. As coal mines closed, thousands were thrown out of work. The steel plant was saved only by massive influxes of capital from the Nova Scotia government.

Today, Cape Bretoners face another challenge. With the moratorium declared on the cod fishery, islanders saw yet another resouce-based industry badly disabled. And yet, the mood in Cape Breton is one of energy and optimism. Drawing on the reserves of strength and resiliance that are part of their heritage, many local entrepreneurs are ably negotiating the transition to the information age. Linkages forged between government, the private sector and the University College of Cape Breton have resulted in new industries and new hope. Cape Breton is ready for the 21st century.

Visitor Services

Cape Breton Island represents the northern portion of the Province of Nova Scotia. From Boston to Sydney by air is a mere two hour flight, with a short stopover in Halifax. Sydney, the capital of Cape Breton, offers a wide range of accomodations, from hotels to bed-and-breakfast facilities. Many of the hotels situated in downtown Sydney overlook Sydney Harbour. Their guests often stroll along the boardwalk or visit the historic houses of Old Sydney. Centre 200, the city's modern convention centre is also situated within walking distance of most hotels.

The modern town of Louisbourg is a half-hour drive from the Sydney airport. In addition to the Fortress, Louisbourg offers excellent accomodations, restaurants, and summer theatre. The beach at nearby Kennington Cove is one of Cape Breton's hidden treasures.

Throughout Cape Breton, winters are relatively mild, with an average snowfall of 330 cm. Due to the ice which descends from Labrador, spring arrives relatively late in comparison to western and central Canada. Summer temperatures range from 13 degrees C. in June to 18-25 degrees C. in August, though temperatures as high as 34 degrees C. have been recorded. Mid-summer through autumn are particularly pleasant. In summer, visitors particularly enjoy the sandy beaches and opportunities for boating, while autumn in the Cabot Trail is a sight that few can forget. Fortress Louisbourg is open from June 1 to September 30 and park staff cautions visitors to bring along warm clothing and comfortable footwear. The weather on site is unpredicable, ranging from brilliantly sunny, warm days to times when the entire park is clothed in mist.