South Portage in Winnipeg, Manitoba — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

The Nor'Wester

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022

1. The Nor'Wester Marker

Inscription. Near this spot stood the original office of The Nor’Wester, the first newspaper on the Canadian prairies, founded in the Red River Settlement by William Buckingham and William Coldwell. The first issue appeared on December 28, 1859 and publication was continued until it was seized by Louis Riel in 1869. It was a constant advocate of the entry of the West into confederation.

Erected 1959 by Historic Sites Advisory Board of Manitoba.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is December 28, 1859.

Location. 49° 53.613′ N, 97° 8.225′ W. Marker is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is in South Portage. Marker is on Main Street (Manitoba Route 52) just south of William Stephenson Way (Manitoba Route 57), on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted at eye-level on the west facade of the Victory Building, near the northwest corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 269 Main Street, Winnipeg MB R3C 1B2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. No. 1 Northern (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Great-West Life Building / L’édifice de la Great-West (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Northern Light Lodge (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Union Tower

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(approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Robert Atkinson Davis (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Bank of Hamilton (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Winnipeg Centennial Library (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Winnipeg Public Library System (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winnipeg.

Also see . . .
1. The Nor’Wester Comes to Red River.

In late September 1859, William Coldwell and William Buckingham traveled from Toronto to St. Paul, Minnesota. From there, they planned to travel to the Red River Settlement to start a newspaper, The Nor’Wester. The enterprising journalists purchased Red River Carts and oxen, loaded their equipment and, along with Reverend John Black and his family, headed off. The journey had an inauspicious start when their oxen reared up and dumped their printing press on the ground…

(Submitted on February 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. The Nor’Wester and the Men Who Established It.

The party had left St. Paul on September 28 and was destined not to arrive at Red River until November 1. We do not know how many travellers
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022

2. The Nor'Wester Marker
(near northwest corner of the Victory Building, facing Main Street)
there were nor who most of them were. Two we can name: William Buckingham and William Coldwell, two young newspaper men on their way to the Settlement to start our first newspaper, the Nor’Wester. With them they brought a printing press, type, paper and ink, experience as reporters and printers, a stock of books for sale, high hopes, and definite convictions about what the future of the Settlement should be.

(Submitted on February 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. The Nor'Wester. (Submitted on February 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

The Victory Building (<i>northwest elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022

3. The Victory Building (northwest elevation)

(marker is on right side, obscured by light pole)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.