Fort Calgary, Boer War Memorial
Two of Calgary's Historic Sites are Linked by Their NWMP Connection
The North-West Mounted Police built Fort Calgary and later served as some of Canada's first soldiers in a foreign war.
Today, Calgary, Alberta, Canada is a modern, sprawling city of a million people. At the geographic centre of the city lies the key to the history of its development as a permanent post-European contact settlement.
Fort Calgary is a 40-hectare site located at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River. The original fort is long gone. The site itself has been retrieved from historic oblivion and now houses a restored fort, replica 1888 Barracks, an interpretive centre and museum, and the original Deane House, one of Calgary's oldest original houses.
Fort Calgary was originally built by the first North-West Mounted Police to arrive at Calgary, before there was a town here. The North-West Mounted Police, or NWMP had their name changed over time and are now well known as the famous Canadian Mounties, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
At Fort Calgary you can dress in the famous scarlet jacket and your choice of period Mountie hat while you pose for your friend to snap your picture. The Fort is an excellent place to learn some western Canadian history.
A little-known connection between Fort Calgary and Central Memorial Park is shown by the statue of a Canadian soldier from the Boer (South African) War. When Britain called upon her former colonies for support in the Boer War, Canada responded. It was the first time Canada had sent troops to fight overseas.
One of the Canadian units, Strathcona's Horse, was personally raised by Lord Strathcona. A number of NWMP men served in the Strathcona's, including their famous commander, NWMP Superintendent Sam Steele.
The Boer (South African) War memorial in Central Memorial Park features a soldier mounted on a western "cow pony". The image of this lone rider is a tribute in its way to the spirit of the Canadian west, as well as being a powerful reminder of a long-ago war.
Seeing Both Sites
Fort Calgary is just east of downtown, at 9th Avenue SE between 6th Street and the Elbow River, north of the railway tracks.
Central Memorial Park is the block bounded by 12th and 13th Avenues SW and 2nd and 4th Streets SW.
It is possible to walk between the two, via Calgary's downtown. Alternatively, it is a short drive. Fort Calgary has abundant parking. Central Memorial Park has on-street meter parking around its perimeter.
To ride the city bus between the two sites requires a transfer. Check with Calgary Transit for the most efficient current bus route.
Other articles about things to see and do in Calgary:
