Newcastle Sandstone - A 'Winner' — Nanaimo, BC
Posted by: 
Dunbar Loop
N 49° 11.402 W 123° 56.706
10U E 431136 N 5449011
The excellent quality of the stone quarried on Newcastle Island was sent to build the San Francisco Mint and other important buildings along North America's West Coast.
Waymark Code: WM1707Z
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 11/11/2022
Views: 1
Newcastle Sandstone – A ‘Winner’
A search across western North America for the ‘right kind of stone’ for the San Francisco Mint ended here in 1869 when Joseph Emory signed a five year contract to remove 8,000 tons of stone with the Vancouver Coal Company. Many similar contracts followed for such important structures as the British Columbia Penitentiary (1875), the Esquimalt Graving Dock (1880), Lord Nelson School (1911), and finally, the towers of Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria (1955). The flawless nature, unusual strength and weather resistant qualities of the Newcastle sandstone were greatly appreciated by builders.
Newcastle Island Sandstone Quarry
Origins and Industrial Significance
Quarrying commenced in 1869 when Joseph Emery, representing the United States Mint in San Francisco, sought high-quality sandstone for the Mint's construction.
He secured a five-year lease with the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company to extract the stone. The sandstone's fine grain, light grey hue, and durability made it ideal for architectural use.
Notably, the San Francisco Mint, constructed with this stone, survived two major earthquakes, including the 1906 disaster, underscoring its resilience.
Beyond the Mint, Newcastle sandstone was utilized in various prominent structures, such as the
British Columbia Penitentiary (1875),
Esquimalt Graving Dock (1880),
Nanaimo Courthouse (1896), and
Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria (1955).
Geological Characteristics
The sandstone belongs to the Protection Formation of the Nanaimo Group, dating back approximately 75 million years.
Its composition includes a high percentage of quartz grains, contributing to its strength and weather resistance.
Transition to Pulp Stone Production
In 1923, the McDonald Cut-Stone Company began producing pulp stones from the quarry.
These cylindrical stones, used in the paper-making industry to grind wood into pulp, were in demand until the operation moved to Gabriola Island in 1932.
Cultural and Historical Context
Saysutshun holds cultural significance for the Snuneymuxw First Nation, who used the island seasonally for fishing and other activities.
The name "Saysutshun" means "training for running," reflecting traditional practices associated with the island.
Today, remnants of the quarrying era, including abandoned equipment and unfinished pulp stones, can be explored within Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich industrial and cultural heritage.