Broughton, Nova Scotia

Broughton (2001 pop.: 24) is a community in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality about 12 miles from the former city of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Expected to be a boomtown when first settled, was mostly abandoned when mining operations failed. During the First World War, Broughton was used by the 85th and 185th Cape Breton Highlanders as training ground. During this time the famous Crown Hotel burned to the ground in April 1916. The Hotel is believed to have had North America's first revolving door.

History

Broughton was originally settled in the 19th century as a mining town for the Dominion Coal Company which intended to develop the coal seam at Cochrane's Lake. Some mining was undertaken and construction of the town started. Much planning was done for the construction of the anticipated boomtown, which was one of the first attempts at a planned community in Canada. [ [http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/meninmines/exhibit.asp?ID=220&Language=English Map of Broughton Nova Scotia] Men in the Mines:A History of Mining Activity in Nova Scotia, 1720-1992] Construction on the town was started but the mining operation was a failure and the town was soon abandoned. [ [http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/meninmines/exhibit.asp?ID=221&Language=English Mine Yard, Broughton, NS] Men in the Mines:A History of Mining Activity in Nova Scotia, 1720-1992] Some residents still live in the area.

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