Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

The North-West Mounted Police

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2022

1. The North-West Mounted Police Marker

Inscription. In April of 1875the North-West Mounted Police, under the command of Inspector W.D. Jarvis, began construction of a fort on what is presently the site of the City of Fort Saskatchewan. In its early days it was known as “Sturgeon Creek Post.”

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1875.

Location. 53° 42.71′ N, 113° 12.918′ W. Marker is in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Marker can be reached from the intersection of 101 Street and 100 Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the Jarvis Memorial Park entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10004 101 Street, Fort Saskatchewan AB T8L 1V9, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jarvis Memorial Park (here, next to this marker); The Native Peoples (here, next to this marker); The First Settlers (a few steps from this marker); The First Missionaries (a few steps from this marker); Fort Saskatchewan (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Jarvis Memorial Park

Also see . . .
1. The early days of the North-West Mounted Police

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As each new province joined Canada, it took on policing duties within its borders. But the Northwest Territories, without provincial status, had to rely on the federal government for policing. Parliament passed an act that allowed for the creation of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) on May 23, 1873. Later that year, on November 3, the first 150 recruits gathered at Lower Fort Garry, near Winnipeg, Manitoba, to start training. The next summer, the North-West Mounted Police, now with 300 recruits, set out on the March West. Along the way it set up posts, now known as divisions, each with smaller outposts, now known as detachments.

(Submitted on December 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. W. D. Jarvis.

William D. Jarvis was one of nine commissioned officers named in 1873 to command the newly founded Force. On the March West, Jarvis was assigned A Division and at Roche Percée left the main column to shepherd 62 men, 55 sick or tired horses and 50 cows with calves to Fort Edmonton, 875 miles away. The route was often rough and deep in mud yet they arrived in 88 days. After wintering at the Hudson Bay Company fort, Jarvis moved his men 16 miles downstream to the junction of the Sturgeon and North Saskatchewan rivers.Here they established Fort Saskatchewan
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2022

2. The North-West Mounted Police Marker
from which they policed the north.

(Submitted on December 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Jarvis Memorial Park Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2022

3. Jarvis Memorial Park Entrance

(marker is visible in far-left background)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.