Black Diamond got its name from coal. James A. McMillan, a government Land Surveyor discovered the coal mine while digging an irrigation ditch. The mine opened after his death in 1899. Hundreds of tons were hauled with horses to Okotoks for house-hold use. Those who visit the area can still see the excavation of the mine along the bank on the west-side of the highway approaching Black Diamond.
Black Diamond grew as homesteaders settled in the area and in 1907 a store and post office were running. By 1929 Black Diamond was well populated.
Ranching in the area began in Diamond Valley in the 1890's as the British, Americans and Central Canadians settled. This area is composed of many towns surrounding the Calgary area. The Cowboy Trail travels on Highway 22 carrying visitors through the Alberta Foothills. This 350 km roads winds from Pincer Creek through Longview, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Millarville, Bragg Creek, Cochrane, Sundre, Rocky Mountain House, and ends northwest of Edmonton in Mayerthorpe.
For more information on the town of Black Diamond, please visit:
www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca
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