Stellarton in Pictou County, Nova Scotia — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
The General Mining Association (GMA)
La General Mining Association (GMA)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 20, 2019
1. The General Mining Association Marker
This British firm established coal mining as a major industry in Nova Scotia. Granted a monopoly of provincial mineral rights in 1826, the GMA developed coal operations here at Albion Mines and at Sydney Mines, and founded permanent mining communities by settling British colliers in company housing. Nova Scotia's first steam engines were built by the GMA to power pit hoists and pumps, and to drive coal ships. The company's Albion Rail Road was the first in British North America to use steam locomotives on iron rails. The firm remained influential until the sale of its last holdings in 1900.
Cette compagnie britannique fit du charbon une industrie majeure en Nouvelle-Écosse. Après avoir obtenu en 1826 le monopole des droits miniers de la province, elle s'établit à Albion Mines et à Sydney Mines où elle fonda des communautés permanentes en hébergeant des mineurs d'origine britannique. Elle fabriqua les premiers moteurs à vapeur de la province pour alimenter ses treuils, pompes et bateaux. Sa filiale Albion Rail Road fut la première compagnie de chemin de fer en Amérique du
this page online
Erected 1999 by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada/Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.
Location. 45° 34.103′ N, 62° 39.43′ W. Marker is in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, in Pictou County. Marker can be reached from North Foord Street (Nova Scotia Route 374) 0.2 kilometers south of Trans-Canada Highway (National Route 104), on the left when traveling south. Marker is located beside the sidewalk near the front entrance of Stellarton's Museum of Industry. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 147 North Foord Street, Stellarton NS B0K 1S0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Frank Hoyse Sobey, OC (approx. one kilometer away); Frank H. Sobey (approx. one kilometer away); The Sobey Foundation (approx. one kilometer away); The First Church (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Industrial Centre Lofts
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 20, 2019
2. The General Mining Association Marker • wide view
(Museum of Industry in background)
(Museum of Industry in background)
Also see . . . Pictou And The General Mining Association (G.M.A.). The first steam engine ever in Nova Scotia was in full operation at the Albion Coal Mines in 1817. The grimy twins of coal and iron which drove the industrial revolution in England for half a century had arrived in England in the earliest part of 19th century; so the technology was available when industry started up in Nova Scotia. (Submitted on September 24, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 24, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
