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The Heritage Ghost Town at Three Valley Gap is an ongoing project to preserve our history and heritage for all Canadians. Our Historic tour of more than 25 buildings affords an excellent perspective of life in a pioneer community, and an overview of industry, commerce & transportation in Early Canada. The railway has played a major role in Canada's development as a nation. The completion of the transcontinental railway system, on November 7, 1885 at Craigellachie, united our land, and heralded Canada's emergence as a modern industrialized country. Until the advent of automobiles and airplanes, passenger trains were used for long distance travel. Currently on display in the 3 Valley Gap Railway Roundhouse are private and business coaches, our 1922 steam locomotive, and an impressive variety of railway artefacts. Viewing this part of history recalls a slower pace of life. Our Buggy & Wagon Shop houses both private and commercial buggies and wagons. Prior to cube vans and semi-tractor trailers, wagons were used to haul commercial goods. Some of the industrial horse drawn wagons you'll see in the Buggy & Wagon Shop include:
You'll also see wagons that were used to haul lumber, coal, water, and groceries. The development of the automobile in the early 1900's was more dramatic and exciting than the invention of the steam engine and trains 75 years earlier in 1828. The steam train was the first improved movement of people and freight after the use of horses for thousands of years. The automobile, however, gave people the possibility of individual travel anywhere. By 1902, there were thousands of cars in North America. There were several thousand different auto manufacturers by the 1920's. This was a fascinating era, with great automobile men - such as Henry Ford, Ransom Elli Olds, John North Willis, Henry Leland, Brisco Brothers, and Dodge Brothers - all collaborating in the development of the auto industry in Canada and the United States. Our collection of restored automobiles includes the first mass produced car in North America, the 1902 Curved Dash Olds. For a complete history on many of our buildings and artefacts in the Heritage Ghost Town, our souvenir book is available for a nominal fee - please contact us.
Teachers: Reservations are required for group visits to 3 Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town. Please contact us for details. |
