Fort Walsh National Historic Site of Canada
As Headquarters of the NWMP, Fort Walsh presided over one of the most dramatic periods of change on the Canadian prairies without ever having fired a shot from its walls. Through diplomacy and conciliation, the NWMP allowed Canada to avoid much of the violence and bloodshed that so often characterised other colonial frontiers.
The NWMP at Fort Walsh enforced the Queen's law in the west, put an end to the American whiskey trade in Canada, and attempted to bring to justice the men responsible for the 1873 Cypress Hills Massacre.
In preparation for the settlement of the prairies and the coming of the railway, Fort Walsh aided in the conclusion of the Treaty adhesion process during the final days of the hunting of the bison. Fort Walsh also maintained diplomatic relations with the Lakota & Nez Perce as they arrived as refugees in Canada following historic battles in the United States.
For a young nation securing its tenuous sovereignty in the west, these were defining moments in its application of justice, in its dealings with Aboriginal peoples, and in its relations with the United States of America.
As the cradle of our national police force, much of the RCMP's rich tradition was ingrained during its formative years here at their old headquarters in the Cypress Hills. Even the internationally recognized image of the RCMP mounted on black horses was born at Fort Walsh, where the first of the Force's signature black horses were raised for the world famous RCMP Musical Ride.
For more information, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/walsh
What to Explore:
- Visitor Reception Centre museum, theatre, gift-shop and cafe
- On-site bus tours along the scenic Battle Creek Valley
- The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of old Fort Walsh
- Bannock over a wood-stove, NWMP drill demonstrations and more
- The fort's buildings furnished to the 1880's period, guides in period costume
- Daily children's activities, adult programming as well as self directed activities for families
- The breathtaking natural beauty of the Cypress Hills
Plan your Trip:
www.maplecreek.ca
www.cypresshills.ca