Port Dickson used to produce charcoal, but it was later developed as a small port by the British during the Straits Settlement period. Tin ore was plentiful in Lukut, an area within the Port Dickson district, during the 1820s, and it attracted Chinese immigrant miners. The British considered the area to have great potential as a harbour. It was intended to supersede the port in Pengkalan Kempas. Port Dickson evolved into a busy trading centre. Railways were constructed to facilitate the growth and development of Port Dickson.