First Export of Coal National Historic Event

Minto, New Brunswick
This plaque commemorates the export of coal by the french to Boston. (© Parks Canada / Parcs Canada, 1983)
HSMBC plaque
(© Parks Canada / Parcs Canada, 1983)
Address : Minto, New Brunswick

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1929-05-17

Other Name(s):
  • First Export of Coal  (Designation Name)

Importance: Coal was shipped from Grand Lake to Boston before 1650

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque: Near the Canadian Pacific Railway Station Minto, New Brunswick

Soon after the occupation of Acadie by the French, coal was discovered in this region. Before the middle of the 17th century it was being shipped from Grand Lake to Boston by water. This export trade in coal was the first to be developed on the entire eastern coast of North America.