Leitch Collieries

On the way back through the Crows Nest pass stopped off at the Leitch Colleries. We strolled through the ruins of the coal processing plant.

Leitch Colleries was one of the biggest mines in the early history of Crows Nest Pass. It was the only one in the pass that was completely Canadian owned and operated.

Craig, standing in whats left of the Hamilton (mine manager's) house.

Remains of the coke ovens.

We also stopped at the Miners' cemetery in Hillcrest. 189 men were killed in this mine disaster and 400 children left fatherless. Canada's worst mine accident. The graves have been preserved behind a fence with small plaques for each miner. Some as young as 18.

We carried on to Pincher Creek and stopped off for lunch and to look at the Lebel Mansion on the hill. Built in 1910.