Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, Canada, has a rich history that dates back to long before it was officially founded.
The area was first inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Blackfoot, Cree, and Métis, for thousands of years.
European exploration and settlement in the Edmonton area began in the 18th century, but the city’s official founding is tied to the establishment of a series of trading posts by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) and the North West Company.
When Was Edmonton, Alberta Founded?
Edmonton’s establishment as a settlement followed the construction of Fort Edmonton by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1795.
This fort became a crucial center for trade and commerce in the region.
The Founding of Edmonton
Early Settlement and Trade
- 1795: The Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company built the first of a series of fortified trading posts near the present city of Fort Saskatchewan, laying the groundwork for the future city of Edmonton.
- 1821: After the merger of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company, Fort Edmonton emerged as a dominant center of the western fur trade.
Development into a City
- 1870s: Permanent settlement outside the fort began, although growth was initially slow.
- 1891: A branch line of the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Strathcona, a community on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River, boosting the area’s development.
- 1904: Edmonton was incorporated as a city, and in 1905, it was selected as the capital of the newly created province of Alberta.
FAQs: Edmonton’s Founding
- What was Edmonton known for before it became a city?
- Before its incorporation, Edmonton was known for its role in the fur trade and as a gathering place for many Indigenous peoples.
- How did Edmonton become Alberta’s capital?
- Edmonton’s strategic location and its emergence as a service center for a vast agricultural region contributed to its selection as the provincial capital in 1905.
- What role did the railway play in Edmonton’s development?
- The arrival of the railway was pivotal in Edmonton’s development, connecting it to other major cities and facilitating the growth of trade and settlement.
Edmonton’s founding and development reflect its importance as a trade hub, a center for Indigenous culture and commerce, and its role in the broader history of Alberta and Canada.
From its early days as a fur trading post to its status as the province’s capital, Edmonton has grown into a vibrant urban center known for its cultural diversity, economic vitality, and rich history.
In Summary
- Edmonton was founded in 1795 with the establishment of Fort Edmonton by the Hudson’s Bay Company.
- The city’s growth was influenced by its role in the fur trade, the arrival of the railway, and its selection as the capital of Alberta.
- Today, Edmonton is a dynamic city that celebrates its historical roots while looking forward to a bright future.
Sources
- The Canadian Encyclopedia on Edmonton: Offers a comprehensive history of Edmonton, from its Indigenous roots to its establishment as a trading post and eventual growth into Alberta’s capital. Read more on The Canadian Encyclopedia.
- Wikipedia’s Edmonton Page: Provides an overview of Edmonton’s history, including its founding, development, and role in Alberta and Canada. Explore Edmonton’s history on Wikipedia.
