OUR STORY

In 1895 when the Sydney & Louisburg Railway was completed, Louisbourg was a hub of economic activity. Utilizing its ice-free winter port, Louisbourg facilitated the export of coal to domestic and international markets. In addition to transporting coal via the railway, it was also a passenger line, connecting the communities of Glace Bay and New Waterford with Sydney and Louisbourg. The coal and steel industry employed thousands of people in Eastern Cape Breton in the 20th century. However, Louisbourg was unique in that it was able to benefit from the economic success of the coal and steel industry without possessing a coal mine in the town. Aside from the coal and steel industry, Louisbourg maintained a strong relationship with fishing and farming. 

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When the railway between Sydney and Louisbourg was decommissioned in 1968, our main building, the train station, found itself sidetracked. Formerly a train station, the building became a doctor's office and later an apartment. It wasn't until 1972 that the building was returned to its former glory. Under the watchful eye of former railway employees, the train station was saved and restored; transformed into a museum and visitor information centre.