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Map of North Sydney from 1901
1901
North Sydney, NS Canada

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North Sydney is located on the north side of industrial Cape Breton Island, NS.

The earliest inhabitants in the area were the Mi'kmaq. In those days, aboriginals lived off the land in a semi-nomadic fashion.

Many expatriates from former British colonies along the mid-Atlantic seaboard settled the fertile lands along the north "bar" of the harbour. Here, they prospered as shipbuilders, farmers and fishermen.

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Postcard of North Sydney, in 1886
1886
North Sydney, NS Canada

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Fishermen off loading their catch.
1930
North Sydney, NS Canada

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The first permanent settlement on the north side of Sydney Harbour took place in 1785.

In the adjacent photo we can see the descendents of these men and women as they continue to practice their trade.

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Commercial Street, North Sydney in 1902.
31 October 1902
North Sydney, NS Canada

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In 1903, C.W. Vernon wrote about North Sydney:

"The first settlers on the shores of the northwestern arm of the harbor were some of the United Empire Loyalists. Later on the General Mining Association...erected a shipping pier at this place, then and for many years subsequently, known as the Bar, or North Bar. From that time forward North Sydney's future was assured.

The presence of the shipping pier gradually attracted enterprising business men, and almost imperceptibly the town grew up…"

(Cape Breton Canada, p.257)

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Collection of Photos from the early 1900's
1900
North Sydney, NS Canada

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Vernon also emphasized North Sydney's strategic geographical location:

"Situated upon the shores of Sydney Harbor and almost in the centre of the peninsula formed by the harbor and the Little Entrance of the Bras d'Or Lakes, [North Sydney] occupies an unrivalled position.

To the east of it lies the splendid coalfields of Sydney Mines, to the west and north the excellent farming sections of George's River, Bras d'Or and Boularderie."

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Mayors of North Sydney and Area.
1903
North Sydney, NS Canada

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By 1870 North Sydney ranked fourth in Canada tonnage loaded, after Halifax, Montreal, and Quebec City.

In 1903 C.W. Vernon had this to say about the burgeoning town:

"North Sydney's charter was granted in 1885, it having the honor of being the first town in Cape Breton to apply for incorporation. Since then it has had but three mayors, and many of its councilors have served almost continuously since that date."

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Sources:

North Sydney Historical Society

Vernon, C.W. Cape Breton Canada, 1903.