Welcome to the Sparwood Virtual Museum of Coal Mining. In the following pages we hope you will learn more about the history of coal mining in the Elk Valley Crowsnest Pass region near the communities of Michel-Natal and Sparwood British Columbia. Not only will you discover what coal mines were like at the beginning of the century but also the importance of coal to the lives of people that continue to make Sparwood their home today. Much has changed during the past century, however coal has remained a constant. We invite you to take a glimpse into our lives - a glimpse we hope will inspire you to discover more about coal and the people who make it possible.