Battleford Court House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battleford Court House |
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| Location | Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Established | 1907 |
| Official name: Battleford Court House National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1981 |
The Battleford Court House is a historic building in Battleford, Canada. It's a special place where the legal system of Saskatchewan works. Here, judges and lawyers help solve disagreements and make sure that laws are followed fairly for everyone. It's an important part of the community's history and still serves its purpose today.
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A Look Back in Time
The Battleford Court House has a long and interesting history, connected to how law and order developed in Western Canada.
Early Days of Battleford
From Fur Trade to Law and Order
Battleford started as a fur trading post way back in 1785. This was a place where traders exchanged goods like animal furs. Later, in 1870, the Canadian government took control of this large area, known as the North-West.
To keep things peaceful and orderly, the North-West Mounted Police were created in 1873. They were like the first police force in the area. In 1876, they set up a base called Fort Battleford.
Battleford as a Capital
Because of its growing importance, Battleford became the capital of the North West Territories in 1877. This meant it was the main government center for a huge part of Western Canada. However, the capital later moved to Regina in 1883.
Building the Court House
Even after the capital moved, Battleford remained important. In 1905, Saskatchewan officially became a province of Canada. This led to the creation of its own court system.
The Battleford Court House was designed by famous architects named Storey and Van Egmond. It was built in 1907. This building marked a new era, ending the old territorial court system and starting Saskatchewan's own provincial courts. It is the oldest court house still standing in Saskatchewan.
A Lasting Legacy
Over time, a new town called North Battleford grew quickly north of the North Saskatchewan River, partly because of the new Canadian Northern Railway. This meant Battleford was no longer the main center of law and order.
However, the Battleford Court House remains a very important historical site. In 1978, it was recognized as a Provincial Heritage Property. Then, in 1981, it was named a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's a place of great historical importance to the whole country.
Even today, the court house is still used for legal hearings by the Court of King's Bench. The historical records of court cases are kept safe by the Saskatchewan Provincial Archives.
Nearby Places to Explore
If you visit the Battleford Court House, there are other interesting historical spots close by:
- The Old Government House
- Queen's Hotel
- Land Titles (Registry) Office
- Battleford Post Office
- Town Hall/Opera House
- 1911 CNR Railway Station
- 1913 Hot Carl Commissioner
- The Presbyterian Gardiner Church
- St. Vital RC Church
- The Merchants Bank of Canada
- Fred Light Museum
Images for kids
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Doorway detail
