Bankhead, Alberta
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Bankhead, Alberta was a small coal mining town that existed in the early twentienth century, in Banff National Park, near the town of Banff, Alberta. The mine was located at Cascade Mountain, which contains anthracite coal deposits. The Bankhead coal mine was operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway, which needed the coal to fuel its steam engines. The mine began operations in 1903 and closed in 1922. In 1926, many of Bankhead's buildings were moved to Banff and Canmore. The Bankhead Railway Station now sits on the grounds of the Banff Hostel on Tunnel Mountain Road. It has a map of the Bankhead townsite posted outside its front door.
Today, an interpretive trail runs through Lower Bankhead. Signs are placed along the trail identifying the major buildings, as well as other interesting facts. Many foundations of buildings are visible. One building remains intact and contains displays viewed through the windows. Remains of the town are also visible adjacent to the Upper Bankhead parking lot.
Bankhead is located on the Lake Minnewanka road, just a few minutes drive from the Banff townsite or the Trans Canada Highway.
Near Bankhead was another coal mine, Anthracite. This mine was a failure because of heavy water inflow in the underground. The Anthracite mine shut down in 1904 and was abandoned.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Gadd, Benn (1989). Bankhead, The Twenty Year Town. The Coal Association of Canada.
[edit] External links
- Ghost towns. Bankhead - Alberta, Canada Ghost Town
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