as a divisional point, biscotasing did not last much beyond the era of construction, as chapleau, about midway between sudbury and lake superior, was selected to replace it. soon after, the town lost its importance as a railroad town but still existed as a quiet fur trading town. the railway provided an inland access point to waterways flowing south to lake huron and north to james bay, and the town subsequently developed as a centre for indian trade in the region.