Industry in the Eastern Townships is very diverse and is in constant evolution. Agriculture was the main source of production and development in the region originally, soon followed by the milling and lumber industries. However, what built the Eastern Townships economically, and therefore increased its population, were the early, and often dangerous, industries of the earth. These include copper mining, asbestos mining and black powder production. Spanning the Eastern Townships, these industries brought settlers into the region that began the “industry towns” that still exist in the area today. The manufacturing and service industry in the area solidified its economic continuance and success, as the layout of the Eastern Townships changed and adapted to its diverse cultural groups and goals. The success of the region relied highly on the foundation agriculture laid on the economics of the area.