Introduction

Explorers & Prospectors
   William Fernie
   Michael Phillipps
   Peter Fernie
   Colonel James Baker

Discovery of Coal &
the Crowsnest Pass

Formation of the Coal Company & Railroad

Coal Company Investors
   George Cox
   Robert Jaffray
   Henry Pellatt

Tom Uphill

Peter Fernie

Peter Fernie FDHS (P88)

Although Peter Fernie is not as well known as his brother William he equally contributed to the development of the Crowsnest Pass and the coal industry in the Elk Valley.

Peter, seven years older than his brother William, was a highly decorated soldier in the British Army. He had received his discharge in 1861 after thirteen years of active service, participating in some of the most grueling wars of his time. Peter fought against the Russians with the Royal Horse Artillery at the fall of Sevastapol in the Crimean War. Peter also witnessed the historic charge of the Light Brigade while at the battle of Balaclava outside of Sevastapol. Upon his return to England he was sent with his troops to India where he participated in hand-to-hand combat in the quelling of the Indian Mutiny.

In 1862, one year after his discharge from the army, Peter left for Canada upon the advice of his younger brother William. Together they traveled to Fisherville, near the present day Fort Steele, in hopes of getting a stake in the largest gold strike in British Columbia’s history. After arriving and setting up camp in Fisherville it became obvious that the original gold discoverers had staked out all of the rich claims on the creek.

Peter and William tried their luck for one year. Peter, failing to make his fortune, decided to return to Vancouver Island. Living in Nanaimo, he was employed for three years by the Vancouver Coal Company.

His Early Days in the Kootenays
It wasn’t until 1868 that Peter moved back to the Kootenays and after a few short years of cattle ranching he changed professions. Like William, Peter was able to get a government position, most likely because of his military and British background. Peter worked for the federal government to police road traffic through the South Country.

Discovering Coal
The discovery of coal in the Elk Valley was something that Peter, at first, did not regard with much interest. Peter would soon realize how mistaken he was.

The Coal Company and Railway
Peter Fernie and his brother William were among the first people to realize the potential fortune that could be made off the abundant coalfields in the Elk Valley. Together with James Baker they built the foundations for the coal industry that still supports Fernie today.
See also: The formation of the Coal Company

His Retirement
The Crow’s Nest Coal and Mineral Company was incorporated on March 25th, 1889. Shortly afterwards, Peter Fernie sold his interest in the Company and moved to Victoria where, like William, he had always wanted to return to. While in Victoria, Peter was an active figure at many social events until his death on October 4th, 1914. Peter died at the age of 84 and was buried at the Ross Bay Cemetery with full military honors.

Michael Phillipps		James Baker