Archeological evidence suggests that the relationship between humans and bitumen began thousands of years ago. Sometimes used as an adhesive or a waterproofing material, this substance has long been a valuable tool—and getting it from the ground to the market has been a fascinating challenge.
1700s
First written recording of the oil sands. The substance was described by a Chipewyan woman as “gum” or “black pitch” and found along the banks of the Athabasca River.
1880s
Canada’s federal government begins expeditions to map out oil sands resources.