All aboard! (historical photo)

NEWS RELEASE

The development of steam-powered railways helped to revolutionize the way Canadians travelled. 

This pattern did not elude the Algoma region. 

By the turn of the twentieth century you could travel north to Hearst on the ACR [historical photo taken at Bellevue shown], east to Sudbury and Toronto on the CPR, or make a turn off at Bruce Mines and travel to Rock Lake via the "Nip n' Tuck."
 
The branch line from the CPR that connected Sault Ste. Marie to the east and to the rest of the country by train had a significant impact on the town. 

The railroad made it easier for both people and businesses to reach the area and within years the population soared. 

Francis H. Clergue's development of the Algoma Central Railway was intended to do the same for the region north of Sault Ste. Marie.
 
The introduction of passenger rail to the area was an important addition as its all weather service helped to transport both residents and tourists to school, health care, special events, homes, resorts and cottages, some with no other access than rail, and helped to introduce new business to the region.
 
This exhibit will be displayed at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum at 690 Queen Street (corner of East Street) from April 9-June 22. 

CAPT would like to give special thanks to the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, Blind River's Timber Village Museum, Ekoba Museum in Echo Bay and the generous community members who helped make this exhibit a success by lending artifacts and photographs.
 
Take a step back in time and witness the way rail transportation used to be!

About NORDIK Institute

NORDIK Institute is a community-based research institute at Algoma University.

NORDIK has conducted research on a variety of topics including the social economy, culture and the arts, and socio-economic impact analysis.

NORDIK also works closely with Indigenous communities to respond to their research needs.

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