Coal Creek Historic Park — Attraction in Cumberland

My initial eagerness gave way to a recognition of the valley’s obscure and malevolent history, particularly a not-so-distant past marred by exploitation. During the 1930s, in an era dominated by coal mining, recruiters sought inexpensive labor from China under the guise of misleading promises and outright deceit. This historical exploitation unveiled a stark contrast to the picturesque setting I had imagined, underscoring the significance of acknowledging and comprehending the darker facets of history that shape our current perceptions. Here’s some backstory:

In the late 1930s, Chinese laborers eagerly sought the attention of a Canadian work agent, sent by a coal company with promises of lucrative mining jobs in Canada. The appeal is clear: no experience needed for hardworking men dreaming of a better life.

Yet, two significant hurdles loom. Firstly, Canada’s hefty “head tax” of $500 aims to curb Chinese immigration—a fortune against the backdrop of poverty, corruption, and low wages in China, making the journey seem beyond reach.

Despite the promise of equal opportunity, Chinese laborers face a stark reality: The disparity in pay, half of what their white counterparts earn, is justified by their inexperience, yet the exploitation runs deep, challenging the fairness of this risky venture.

The darker reality unveils itself with the work’s perilous nature. The Cumberland mines claimed the lives of 175 Chinese laborers (at least, the documented ones). Survivors, gaining skills yet barred from legal advancement, find themselves in perpetual low-wage labor, unable to summon their families or escape their financial bondage. A grim cycle of risk, exploitation, and isolation persists, thousands of miles from home, with no...

Cumberland Chinatown 1888/1968. Chinese workers were brought to Canada by Dunsmuir family Union Colliery Company to build the mine and The Wellington Colliery Railway.The sad history of the Canadian Chinese Japanese is one that Canada can not hide from.Hopefully for Canada this is a era we would ever return to. Today the area is dedicated as a park with numerous trails for mountain biking and or walking.This is bear and cougar country so be aware.If you have a dog with you,dogs/cougars do not go well with each other.Just remember you as well as your dog could be part of their menu.Play safe...

I love seeing road side historical monuments. Seeing closeup tongue and groove log cabin building is intriguing. Learning the history of small townships opens the mind's eye to what happened by the immigrants who pioneered the New Land making it become the country we have grown to love dearly. Canada, has much historic diversity for being such a...