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.
Come visit us today and see for yourself firsthand the beauty
and culture that is North Sydney.
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