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All Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Bell Island Bell Island Mine Museum

Bell Island Mine Museum

This former iron ore mine comes alive with fascinating stories of its history.

Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Mariellen Ward
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The stables, where 50 Clydesdales would be kept in the mine.   Theo
Rusty tools of the trade.   Theo
Bell Island mine tour.   Theo
Blocks of ore that would have been blown off the wall.   Theo
Signed document from Hitler I believe approving a Nazi sub to attack the Ore boats leaving Newfoundland.   Theo
A memorial to those lost when torpedoes were fired at the ships and pier.   Theo
The captain’s medals that torpedoed ore boats.   Theo
100-year-old rail track ties on the main slope.   Theo
Old Heinz ketchup bottle.   Theo
The fat-bottomed Newfoundland kettle.   Theo
No. 2 iron mine, Wabana, circa 1895.   Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Pier damage caused by a torpedo fired by the German submarine U-518, 1942, Bell Island.   Lt Gerald M. Moses / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada
Iron ore miners going on shift at Wabana Mine, 1954.   Library and Archives Canada
A driller and chucker at work in an iron ore in Bell Island, 1949.   Library and Archives Canada/National Film Board
Bell Island.   Theo
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The reviews for the No. 2 Mine Museum on Bell Island in Newfoundland are uniformly glowing. How can a simple hole in the earth be so enthralling to everyone who visits? It’s the history of the mine and the fascinating stories of the people in this island community that make it so special.

Newfoundland is affectionately known as “The Rock” in Canada. It’s a rugged land that juts into the North Atlantic Ocean, the most easterly part of Canada. Settlers from primarily Britain and Ireland established communities throughout Newfoundland starting in the 17th century.

Tiny Bell Island is part of the Avalon Peninsula, located in Conception Bay across “The Tickle”—the bay—from Portugal Cove, not far from the capital, St. John’s. The Bell Island iron ore mine began operations in 1895, and huge numbers of people moved to the area, known as Wabana. Soon, Bell Island became the largest producer of iron ore in the British Commonwealth, the second largest community in Newfoundland, and one of the most prosperous places in the province’s history.

The mine provided employment for thousands, including children as young as 10 years old, who worked boiling the kettles for the men on their breaks and separating ore from rocks. Some men worked from childhood to the age of 80 in the mine.

It was dangerous work in difficult conditions. Until 1911, light was provided by candles or tins of burning seal oil. There were no bathroom or eating facilities, and it was often very cold. Safety regulations were added slowly, and accidents over the years claimed a total of 110 lives in the mine.

The mine was once one of the world’s largest submarine iron ore mines. It was also the primary supplier of iron ore to Germany. During World War II, German captains who knew Newfoundland’s shores piloted U-boats that torpedoed and sank several ore boats.

The Newfoundland militia fired on the U-boats, missed, and killed a cow. Nevertheless, Bell Island holds the distinction of being the site of the only artillery fired in defense of North America during the war.

Bell Island’s No. 2 mine closed in 1949, and the rest of the mine in 1966. In 2000, the Bell Island Community Museum and No. 2 Mine Museum opened. It features a walking tour of the shaft with talented and passionate guides who bring the history of the community and the mine to life with compelling stories and anecdotes that incite a range of emotions from sympathy to laughter. Visitors to Bell Island are also treated to scenic beauty as the rugged cliffs and deep blue waters create a stunning backdrop.   

Related Tags

Mines History Islands World War Ii Military

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Make sure you take a guided tour of the mine shaft—it's the tour guides and the stories they tell that make this place so special!

Community Contributors

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mariellen

Edited By

erjeffery, Meg

  • erjeffery
  • Meg

Published

February 16, 2018

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  • https://www.bellislandminetour.com/
Bell Island Mine Museum
6-8 Theatre Ave
Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada
47.64634, -52.949343
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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Bell Island

Bell Island

Newfoundland and Labrador

Places 2

Nearby Places

Sacred Heart Grotto

Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

miles away

The Blue Whale at the Core Science Facility

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

miles away

Apothecary Hall

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Bell Island

Bell Island

Newfoundland and Labrador

Places 2

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