Test-dig at Early Nova Scotia Deep Coal Mine

Nova Scotia Museum archaeologist David Christianson, and assistant Steve Powell, will be conducting a test-dig early in November on the site of the former Albion Mines in Stellarton. The site was once the location of the first deep coal mine on mainland Nova Scotia, dating from 1827.

The land is located between the Museum of Industry and Bridge Avenue. The landowner, Empire Company, is supporting examination of the early mine site for possible discovery of coal mining artifacts or building foundations from the early 1800s.

Museum of Industry staff requested the exploration due to the coal mining activity associated with the site. The Stellarton Trails Committee is hoping to extend the newly opened Albion Walking Trail across the site, from the museum to Bridge Avenue. The committee is working with the Museum of Industry to ensure that any valuable archaeological evidence is protected. The trail is planned to follow an old railbed used for hauling coal from Albion Mines to Abercrombie Point.

A report of the archaeologist's findings will be submitted to the Museum of Industry by the end of November. The museum will then make recommendations to the landowners on future development of the site.

The Stellarton Trails committee is excited at the possibility of interpreting this coal mining heritage along the trail.