~Edmonton's History~
| Edmonton's European history
dates back to 1795 when the Hudson's Bay Company established Fort
Edmonton (first known as Edmonton House). Named for a town near London,
England - it became the most important post in the western fur trade.
Trading of fur pelts was done with the Cree and Blackfoot. Fort Edmonton
was moved 3 times before it's final place that now is the home ground
for the Legislative Building. A replica of the Fort stands near the
river 3km away from the original site.
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| Settlement began outside the
Fort in 1871 as land was now available for purchase. With a booming
population of 700, Edmonton was incorporated into a town in 1892. One
hundred years later the Centennial Anniversary was marked with the
opening of our distinctive City Hall. Edmonton's incorporation as a city was
in 1904.
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| 1905 saw the bringing of a
new transcontinental railway - The Canadian Northern. During the
Goldrush era Edmonton was an important stop for gold seekers. Many of
those who failed to make it rich in gold came back and settled in
Edmonton. Their failure became Edmonton's gain for growth. Over
the years Edmonton has grown or declined in population according to the
fortunes of agriculture. Important transportation links earned Edmonton
the nickname of "Gateway to the North". It is the farthest
north of all large Canadian cities.
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