STORIES FROM HINTON’S ARCHIVES
A RICH HISTORY
Hinton's history traces back to 1911 when the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway station was established, marking the town's foundation. Named after William P. Hinton, a key figure in the railway's management, the town quickly grew as settlers arrived in the early 1900s. The local economy flourished with the emergence of coal mining and the opening of a pulp and power mill in 1955, contributing to Hinton's population growth and economic expansion.
The town's history also includes the ghost town of Brule, founded in 1912, which experienced a boom in the 1920s with a thriving community, complete with houses, schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities. However, the sudden depletion of high-quality coal in 1928 led to a rapid decline, and by 1932, Brule was nearly abandoned. The village of Drinnan, incorporated in 1957, met a different fate when it was amalgamated with Hinton the same year, following a period of prosperity and formal recognition.
Today, Hinton maintains a strong connection to its natural resource heritage, with industries like coal mining still playing a role alongside a diverse economy that includes outdoor tourism, recreation, and various local businesses. The town's history is a blend of resource-driven development, economic shifts, and the preservation of its cultural and Indigenous roots within Treaty 6 territory.
The Old Towns of Drinnan and Brule
Brule was founded in 1912 and thrived as a mining town, boasting a population of 720 employees, schools, hospitals, and various recreational facilities. The town had numerous amenities, including a large hotel, a dairy, a race track, a golf course, and more. However, the sudden depletion of the high-quality coal that fueled its prosperity in 1928 led to a rapid decline.
By 1932, Brule was almost completely abandoned, with most houses disassembled and shipped elsewhere. Only a few buildings, concrete foundations, structures, and the old cemetery remained. Over the years, Brule evolved into a hamlet with a population of about 165, offering a laid-back ambiance to its inhabitants. Today, Brule stands as a reminder of its vibrant past, with remnants of its history still visible in the landscape.
