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Fort
Macleod’s newest historical site will again be a hub of activity,
just as it was back in 1884.
The first reconstructed buildings at the 1884 North West Mounted
Police Barracks provincial historic site opened in 2005 to
considerable fanfare. The story of the barracks, which was a focal
point of the settlement of this part of the country, is being told
by The Riders of the Plains Commemorative Troop Association.
Restoration of the 1884 North West Mounted Police barracks site
near the west entrance to town was one of the major Alberta
2005centennial legacy projects in Fort Macleod.
The $1.3-million project included reconstruction of seven original
barracks buildings: the No. 1 stable, the wagon shed, two store
rooms, the shop used by the carpenter and painter, the blacksmith
shop and the sergeant’s quarters.
The 1884 North West Mounted Police barracks is one of few sites
remaining in Alberta that can interpret such a significant period
in Canadian history.
The Mounted Police marched west in 1874 to establish law and order
and end the illegal whisky trade. Their first post was established
here, and the fort was named for Col. James Macleod.
After the first fort, built on an island in the Oldman River, was
deemed unsuitable due to flooding, the new barracks was built and
officially brought into service in 1884, and was occupied until
1922.The barracks was considered the finest, most modern facility
for the Mounted Police. Throughout its history the barracks served
a central role in the life of the people who lived in these parts.
When it is completed, the reconstructed barracks and new
interpretive centre will give visitors a glimpse into history.
The development of an interpretive centre around the barracks was
welcomed by descendants of Col. James Macleod, the man who led the
Mounties West and for whom the town is named.
“Col. James Macleod is a significant, very large name certainly in
Canadian history and certainly in Macleod family history,” said
Ian Macleod, president of the Clan Macleod Society of Canada. “The
Macleods and our family are very proud of our role in Alberta’s
history.”
Restoration of three of the buildings — the officers’ quarters, a
store room and a barn — have been completed.
The barracks is also home to a living tribute to officers killed in
the line of duty. Six American elm trees were planted to honour
constables John Nash, Jose Agostinho, Anthony Gordon, Brock Myrol,
Leo Johnston and Peter Schieman.
Nash, who is buried in Union Cemetery in Fort Macleod, was the
first Mountie killed in the line of duty and Gordon, Johnston,
Schieman and Myrol were gunned down in March 2005 in a shootout at
Mayerthorpe. Agostinho was killed July 4, 2005, when a semi
smashed into his cruiser on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway near
Millet.
The barracks is also home to the 120-year-old wooden house in which
legendary Mounted Police scout Jerry Potts and his family once
lived. The house was moved from town to its original site. Potts
led Col. James Macleod and the first North West Mounted Police in
1874 to the area that is now Fort Macleod.
For information about the1884 NWMP Barracks site phone Dawn Lauder
at 403-553-4703. |
