Lashburn in Wilton No. 472, Saskatchewan — The Prairie Region (North America)
The Barr Colonists
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2022
1. The Barr Colonists Marker
March 31, 1903: two thousand British Immigrants departed Liverpool, England; caught up with Reverend Isaac Barr's vision of founding a British Colony in Canada's North West Territories, with a prize of 160 acres of land for $10.00 and homestead obligations. Men, women and children followed Barr and Rev. George Lloyd on a trans-Atlantic voyage; by rail from Saint John, N.B. to a tent city in Saskatoon, where they were outfitted with wagons and oxen to make the 200 mile journey to what is now Lloydminster. Several hundred claimed their homesteads in this area. The Barr Colony was amongst the last and largest settlement enterprises in Canada's history.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1903.
Location. 53° 7.461′ N, 109° 37.002′ W. Marker is in Lashburn, Saskatchewan, in Wilton No. 472. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Service Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Marker is located in the triangular plaza on the south side of the Lashburn Town Hall. Service Street is the service road on the north side of Saskatchewan Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway). Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Building Continues — The Community Grows (here, next to this marker); Building the Town (here, next to this marker).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. The Story of the Barr Colony.
The word spread quickly in England that a veritable promised land awaited settlers in Canada. Each colonist would be given free land, said the pamphlets. In an already crowded England at the turn of the century, ownership of land was for the rich and privileged. Hundreds of families responded to the advertising with advances of money and reservations for the trip. Rev. Barr persuaded Rev. George Lloyd, a minister with many years experience in Canada, to join the colony as its chaplain. Lloyd had in fact been working toward putting together a much smaller group of settlers himself. He agreed to join forces with Barr and contribute the names and addresses of all who had contacted him. In April 1903, the first ship carrying Barr Colony passengers reached St. John, New Brunswick.(Submitted on December 12, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Barr Colonists.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2022
2. The Barr Colonists Marker
In 1902 the Reverend Isaac Barr secured a huge land tract between the present-day Alberta-Saskatchewan border and Maidstone, Saskatchewan. In March 1903 he brought approximately 2000 colonists from England. Many discontents left to form their own communities. Tired of continual criticism, Barr resigned, went to Toronto to sort out his money problems, and moved to the US and eventually Australia. Leadership passed to his rival, the Reverend George Lloyd, after whom the colony's first town was named Lloydminster in July 1903. Despite initial setbacks, the Barr colonists opened up the vast area west of Saskatoon. In 1905, the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan were created.(Submitted on December 12, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 13, 2022
3. The Barr Colonists Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 12, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
