Battleford in Battle River No. 438, Saskatchewan — The Prairie Region (North America)
The End of an Era
Witness to History
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2022
1. The End of an Era Marker
The landmark that came to be known as "Old Government House" burned to the ground on June 7, 2003, a victim of vandalism. It was a sad end to a historic structure created as a seat of government but used far longer as a place of learning.
Over a lifespan of more than 120 years, Government House bore witness to the birth of Saskatchewan and the rise of Western Canada as an economic and political force. And while little remained of the original structure by the time fire consumed it, old Government House always represented the order, optimism and understanding required to settle and share a land. Government Ridge continues to do this today.
”Farewell old friend. Battleford will never be the same.” —Battleford photographer and author Menno Fieguth
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is June 7, 2003.
Location. 52° 42.701′ N, 108° 18.505′ W. Marker is in Battleford, Saskatchewan, in Battle River No. 438. Marker can be reached from 3 Avenue West, half a kilometer south of Old Saskatchewan Highway 4 (Provincial Highway 658), on the left when traveling south. Marker is located beside the chimney at the Old Government House Site. It is rightmost of 5 related markers at this location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oblate Seminary (here, next to this marker); Seventh Day Adventists Academy (here, next to this marker); Indian Industrial School (here, next to this marker); Government House (here, next to this marker); Government House Battleford (within shouting distance of this marker); Government House, Battleford (within shouting distance of this marker); Seat of the Territorial Government 1878-1883 (within shouting distance of this marker); Battleford Land Registry Building (approx. 0.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battleford.
Regarding The End of an Era. Canadian Register of Historic Places, (1984/03/27).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Old Government House, Battleford, Saskatchewan
Also see . . . The Old Government House.
From 1876-1883 Battleford was the seat of government and known as the Territorial Capital of the Northwest Territories (now Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories).(Submitted on December 5, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)1878-1882: Lieutenant-Governor David Laird's residence. It was the Government Office and Chambers when Battleford
was Capital of the Northwest Territories.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 20222. The End of an Era Marker(looking east • foundation ruins in background)
1883: The Capital was moved to Regina.
1883-1914: Indian Industrial School under the Anglican Church.
1916 - 1931: Seventh Day Adventist Academy.
1931: Sold to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
1932-1984: St. Charles Scholastic Seminary.
1976: Designated as a Municipal Heritage Site.
1984: Designated a Provincial Heritage Property.
2003: The vacant site - leased to Battle River Settlement Foundation Inc., as part of a restoration project, was destroyed by fire in the summer.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2022
3. Old Government House Chimney, Markers & Ruins
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 5, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
