English interests had hoped to develop the coal seam at Cochrane's Lake, about twelve miles from Sydney. Some mining was undertaken and construction of the town started. However, perhaps because too much was spent on the details and modern conveniences of the "most up-to-date modern city", the lack of attention to the actual mine operation or the failure to secure clear title to the coal lease, the town eventually was abandoned.
Date: ca.1905
Reference: Nova Scotia Archives Map Collection: V7/239 Broughton
Nova Scotia Archives — https://archives.novascotia.ca/meninmines/archives/?ID=197
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