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At the turn of the century, North Sydney was a bustling port town; by 1870 it was the fourth largest port in Canada dealing in ocean-going vessels. This was due to steamships coming here from all over the world for bunker coal, and also to the fact that The Western Union cable office had been established here in 1875. The railroad had come to Cape Breton Island in 1891, at this time there were 2,513 people in North Sydney, compared to 2,417 in Sydney.
In 1898 North Sydney was chosen by the Reid-Newfoundland Company as the Canadian mainland terminal for a ferry service to Newfoundland; in June of that year the SS Bruce sailed from Port Aux Basques, it was the first ship to make that run.
The Atlantic Ocean brought European fishermen to the northern arm of Sydney Harbor as early as the fifteenth century, but it was the expulsion of the loyalists following the American Revolution, that sent the first settlers to what was to be known as Upper North Sydney.
Expatriates from the former British Colonies along the mid-Atlantic Seaboard made their new homes on the fertile lands along the North "Bar" of the harbor and prospered as shipbuilders, farmers and fishermen.
Rapid expansions occurred in the 1830's with the construction of the coal shipping piers. Over the next 45 years the township of North Sydney became a major shipping port. In 1870, North Sydney ranked fourth in Canada in tonnage loaded, after Halifax, Montreal and Quebec City. As the settlement grew in size and importance, North Sydney was incorporated as a distinct town in 1885.
At the turn of the century, North Sydney was a bustling port town; it was the fourth largest port in Canada dealing in ocean-going vessels. This was due to steamships coming here from all over the world for bunker coal, and also to the fact that The Western Union Cable office had been established here in 1875. The railroad had come to Cape Breton in 1891, at this time there were 2,513 people in North Sydney as compared to 2,417 in Sydney.
In 1898 North Sydney was chosen by the Reid- Newfoundland Company as the Canadian mainland terminal for a ferry service to Newfoundland; in June of that year the SS Bruce sailed from Port Aux Basques, it was the first ship to make that run.
During World war I, North Sydney played a decisive role. The 94th Regiment was stationed in barracks near the end of Archibald Avenue and among its duties was guarding the Cable Office, which was of vital importance to our town.
During World War II, our harbor once again served the Allies because of our strategic position. In July 1940 it was made an assembly point for ships loaded at St. Lawrence River ports. It was also made convoy and assembly point for slow convoys.
Today, due to the declining industry of coal mining and fishery, North Sydney is once again thriving, but this time on tourism and culture. The town opens its arms to visitors and home-comers alike and is known for its hospitality and warm hearts.
