In 1853 J.W. Mackay found coal in the Comox Valley and years later this was confirmed by Commander Robert Brown, who described a ‘rich coal field in the Comox Valley’, in 1864.He, along with other prospectors, orgaised the ‘Union Company’, from which the early settlement derived its’ name, Union.

Many unsuccessful attempts were made to mine the area, until finally, in 1883, Robert Dunsmuir & Sons acquired all shares in the local coal operations. Dunsmuir invested half a million dollars in developing the mines and improving the wharf in Union Bay. Under the direction of Dunsmuir's son, James, in 1892, a new town site was developed east of Union.

The village was named after Cumberland

County in England and its streets, after places within that county. Cumberland incorporated in 1898 with coal mining succeeding for years, until the production of oil in Leduc, Alberta in 1947, which marked the beginning of the end for the Cumberland coal industry. By 1966 the last mine, Tsable River Mine, closed and Cumberland transformed into a quiet peaceful village.

For a tour of a model coal mine, stop by the Cumberland Museum and Archives. Downstairs is a replica of the old coal mine, which was constructed a few years ago by retired miners...this gives visitors a very good idea of the feel of a coal mine. As you start down the stairs you will see a model dressed as a Draegerman, a miner who went down to rescue during cave-ins, explosions, or other disasters. Working in groups of six, each carried 30 pounds of gear and had to be prepared to stay below for up to three days, searching for and assisting trapped or injured colleagues.

The word ‘Draegerman’ came from the Draeger Company in Germany that made the safety equipment carried by the ‘Draegermen’.

With your first view of the mine you will see the coal cart, which can hold one ton of coal. Five of these were pulled up to the lift by one mule. From there, the coal was hoisted to the surface for processing and shipment.

The museum displays many of the original maps of the underground working of the coal mines.

Learn the story of labour leader organiser Ginger Goodwin, watch the video presentation about Cumberland’s Chinatown and take a look at the last surviving building, Jumbo’s Cabin, situated on Lake Road. It has been home to a county jail, the office of the paymaster for the Union Colliery Co [1869-1883], and was the home of Hor Sue Mah, Chinatown’s last resident.

Don’t forget your camera as Cumberland’s scenic beauty offers unparalleled photo opportunities for the camera buff.