Fort Macleod, Canada
Museum of the North-West Mounted Police
(July 14, 2007)
Museum of the North-West Mounted Police
(July 14, 2007)
Val says....
We are all familiar with the "Mounties" in their red serge jackets and wide-brimmed hats. At The Fort we were able to learn more about this police force that was modeled after the Royal Irish Constabulary and the mounted rifle units of the United States Army.
The North West Mounted Police were created in May 1873 by an Act of Parliament They were then charged with bringing law, order, and Canadian authority to the North West Territories (present-day Alberta and Saskachewan). In July 1874, 300 officers and men marched west from Manitoba with horses and equipment. They arrived in October and were able to build a permanent post on an island in the Oldman River before winter arrived. The fort was named after Colonel James F. Macleod in honor of his strong leadership during the trip. Some people say the NWMP were sent west to stop the whisky trade and to strengthen Canada's hold on the land. In 1884 a new fort was completed and the post was moved off the island and away from the danger of flooding.
Today, at the Fort Museum, you can learn about the history of the NWMP, today's Royal Canadian Mounted Police. There are many artifacts, dioramas, photographs and displays depicting the early days of the post and the pioneers that soon arrived. Other displays focus on ranching, trade and commerce, the work of missionaries, and transportation. In one house, there was a large flat iron sitting on a cook stove. I could barely lift it off the stove; I don't know how anyone could iron clothes with it!
There is also a First Nations exhibit hall. There are photographs of many of the Native people from the area. One was named "Bad Dried Meat", who was a courier for the NWMP and legend says he could go on foot from Fort Macleod to Calgary in just two days. Also in this hall was an exhibit of beautiful pieces of beadwork. This exhibit, entitled "Art of Adornment", explores the artistry of First Nations decorative work to understand it as an expression of spirituality.
Finally it was time for the Musical Ride. The Mounties at Fort Macleod first held riding demonstrations in 1876 as a diversion from the daily work at the fort. Today the riders are college students who are skilled equestrians. They wear replicas of 1876 NWMP uniforms. There were just nine riders this day. They first came to the center area of the fort where a member of the audience was asked to inspect the troops (uniforms, horses' harness, etc.) When the horses are groomed, a Canadian Maple Leaf is brushed into the hair on each hindquarter and these must be visible to pass inspection. We then went to the arena for the musical ride. The troops performed several maneuvers accompanied by music. It was impressive, but I had hoped there would be a lot more horses and riders.
We are all familiar with the "Mounties" in their red serge jackets and wide-brimmed hats. At The Fort we were able to learn more about this police force that was modeled after the Royal Irish Constabulary and the mounted rifle units of the United States Army.
The North West Mounted Police were created in May 1873 by an Act of Parliament They were then charged with bringing law, order, and Canadian authority to the North West Territories (present-day Alberta and Saskachewan). In July 1874, 300 officers and men marched west from Manitoba with horses and equipment. They arrived in October and were able to build a permanent post on an island in the Oldman River before winter arrived. The fort was named after Colonel James F. Macleod in honor of his strong leadership during the trip. Some people say the NWMP were sent west to stop the whisky trade and to strengthen Canada's hold on the land. In 1884 a new fort was completed and the post was moved off the island and away from the danger of flooding.
Today, at the Fort Museum, you can learn about the history of the NWMP, today's Royal Canadian Mounted Police. There are many artifacts, dioramas, photographs and displays depicting the early days of the post and the pioneers that soon arrived. Other displays focus on ranching, trade and commerce, the work of missionaries, and transportation. In one house, there was a large flat iron sitting on a cook stove. I could barely lift it off the stove; I don't know how anyone could iron clothes with it!
There is also a First Nations exhibit hall. There are photographs of many of the Native people from the area. One was named "Bad Dried Meat", who was a courier for the NWMP and legend says he could go on foot from Fort Macleod to Calgary in just two days. Also in this hall was an exhibit of beautiful pieces of beadwork. This exhibit, entitled "Art of Adornment", explores the artistry of First Nations decorative work to understand it as an expression of spirituality.
Finally it was time for the Musical Ride. The Mounties at Fort Macleod first held riding demonstrations in 1876 as a diversion from the daily work at the fort. Today the riders are college students who are skilled equestrians. They wear replicas of 1876 NWMP uniforms. There were just nine riders this day. They first came to the center area of the fort where a member of the audience was asked to inspect the troops (uniforms, horses' harness, etc.) When the horses are groomed, a Canadian Maple Leaf is brushed into the hair on each hindquarter and these must be visible to pass inspection. We then went to the arena for the musical ride. The troops performed several maneuvers accompanied by music. It was impressive, but I had hoped there would be a lot more horses and riders.
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Issue #4
July 14th 2007
July 14th 2007
Page 2 of 3
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