Canada's coal mining industry had its beginnings during the French period near here on the north side of Morien Bay. The existence of surface coal on Cape Breton was first recorded by Nicolas Denys in 1672. This coal, which was easily removed by crowbar, was loaded in small amounts by both French and English ships in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The first attempt at regular mining in America was made here in 1720 to supply Louisbourg. About this time also, coal was exported clandestinely from Morien Bay to Boston in exchange for bricks, lumber and provision.