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History of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Journey back in time to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Lethbridge
Lethbridge, Alta, incorporated as a city in 1906, is located 215 kilometres by road southeast of CALGARY overlooking the steep, coulee-dissected valley of the OLDMAN RIVER.
Nomadic BLACKFOOT claimed the Lethbridge area as their summer hunting territory prior to European contact. Significant European incursions into the area did not begin until 1869 when Montana traders built FORT WHOOP-UP, one of the most notorious whisky-trading posts in the Prairie West.
Large-scale coal mining became feasible in 1885 when the North Western Coal and Navigation Co, directed by Sir Alexander GALT and his son Elliott, completed a railway to their mine from Dunmore, near Medicine Hat, on the CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY (CPR). What began as a mining camp in the valley bottom became a town laid out on the prairie serving the fast-growing colliery workforce. Named Lethbridge in 1884 after North Western Coal's first president, William Lethbridge, the community was incorporated as a town in 1890.
Nomadic BLACKFOOT claimed the Lethbridge area as their summer hunting territory prior to European contact. Significant European incursions into the area did not begin until 1869 when Montana traders built FORT WHOOP-UP, one of the most notorious whisky-trading posts in the Prairie West.
Large-scale coal mining became feasible in 1885 when the North Western Coal and Navigation Co, directed by Sir Alexander GALT and his son Elliott, completed a railway to their mine from Dunmore, near Medicine Hat, on the CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY (CPR). What began as a mining camp in the valley bottom became a town laid out on the prairie serving the fast-growing colliery workforce. Named Lethbridge in 1884 after North Western Coal's first president, William Lethbridge, the community was incorporated as a town in 1890.
Sourcewww.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
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VINTAGE LETHBRIDGE
Lethbridge Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Postcard
The Flood, 1902, Lethbridge
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Postcard
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Downtown Lethbridge (1910)
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Postcard
Galt Hospital, Lethbridge, Alberta
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Postcard
St Michael's Hospital
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to LETHBRIDGE
CHRISTMAS - FRENCH CANADIAN Coffee Mug – Celebrate Family, Heritage, and Holiday Cheer
Sip Christmas the way your ancestors would have loved it with this festive French-Canadian coffee mug. Featuring the elegant greeting “Joyeuses fêtes de Noël à vous et vos proches!” (Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones), it’s perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, Francophiles, and anyone who cherishes family traditions. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël – literally “Happy Christmas holidays,” which is a common way to wish someone a merry Christmas and holiday season in French. à vous et vos proches – “to you and your loved ones,” adding a friendly, inclusive touch.
CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
"My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for curling and watching the Olympics!"
CANADA - Canadian Roots Ceramic Coffee Mug - Maple Syrup and Apologies Edition - Genealogy
Embrace your Canadian heritage with our "My ancestors came from Canada" ceramic coffee mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while reflecting on your roots, this mug features a moose sampling maple syrup and a humorous caption that reads, "My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for maple syrup and apologizing!" Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding with an evening tea, this mug is sure to bring a smile to your face.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Lethbridge: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Lethbridge through the years.
Lethbridge
A second rail link leading to the Montana border was completed in 1890. The CPR began to operate the Lethbridge-Dunmore line in 1897 and extended it west to serve the coal mines in the Crowsnest Pass. Lethbridge became a CPR divisional point in 1905 and was incorporated as a city in the following year. In 1909 the CPR completed an impressive single-track viaduct across the Oldman River Valley. Just over 1.6 kilometres long and 96 metres above the valley floor, it is Lethbridge's most dramatic landmark. Railway improvements made Lethbridge the principal transportation junction and largest marketing and distribution centre between Calgary and the US border.
Irrigation played an important role in the evolution of Lethbridge as agriculture displaced coal as the key local resource and the main source of jobs. Between 1898 and 1900, Mormon migrants from Utah built a 185-kilometre long system of canals to divert the St Mary River, the first large-scale irrigation system in Western Canada. ...
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Irrigation played an important role in the evolution of Lethbridge as agriculture displaced coal as the key local resource and the main source of jobs. Between 1898 and 1900, Mormon migrants from Utah built a 185-kilometre long system of canals to divert the St Mary River, the first large-scale irrigation system in Western Canada. ...
1916
Lethbridge, a banking post-town and port of Alberta, Canada, on the Canadian Pacific and the Alberta Rs., about 109 miles W. of Medicine Hat. It is in an agricultural and coal-mining region. Pop. in 1901, 2279.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there are numerous places to go and things to do in Lethbridge. Here's a list:
1. Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden: This stunning Japanese garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Lethbridge. You can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, koi ponds, and traditional Japanese tea houses. It's a serene spot for a leisurely stroll or some meditation.
2. Helen Schuler Nature Centre: Located in the river valley, this nature center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs about the local environment. Explore the trails and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area.
3. Galt Museum & Archives: Dive into Lethbridge's history at the Galt Museum. It houses fascinating exhibits that showcase the city's past, including its Indigenous heritage, pioneers, and early industries.
4. Fort Whoop-Up: Step back in time and visit this reconstructed fort, which once served as a fur trading post. You can experience life on the frontier and learn about the history of the fur trade in Alberta.
5. Henderson Lake Park: This expansive park is ideal for...
Read more
2. Helen Schuler Nature Centre: Located in the river valley, this nature center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs about the local environment. Explore the trails and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area.
3. Galt Museum & Archives: Dive into Lethbridge's history at the Galt Museum. It houses fascinating exhibits that showcase the city's past, including its Indigenous heritage, pioneers, and early industries.
4. Fort Whoop-Up: Step back in time and visit this reconstructed fort, which once served as a fur trading post. You can experience life on the frontier and learn about the history of the fur trade in Alberta.
5. Henderson Lake Park: This expansive park is ideal for...
GENEALOGY IN LETHBRIDGE
Discover YOUR Roots: Lethbridge Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
We currently have information about 13 ancestors who were born or died in Lethbridge.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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Updated: 9/18/2023 8:04:02 PM
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