Fort Battleford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Battleford |
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| At the confluence of the North Saskatchewan and the Battle rivers in Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada | |
Fort Battleford National Historic Site
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| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  Canada |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1876 |
| In use | 1876-1924 |
| Materials | Wood |
| Battles/wars | North-West Rebellion |
| Official name: Fort Battleford National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1923 |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | North-West Mounted Police |
Fort Battleford was an important police fort in the early days of Canada. It was the sixth fort built by the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). This fort played a big part in the events of the North-West Rebellion in 1885. After the conflict, important events happened here. These events included the arrest of Chief Poundmaker.
The fort was built where the North Saskatchewan and Battle rivers meet. This spot was great because it offered easy access to fresh water. It also provided another way to travel, besides using Red River carts. The fort was on a high area, like a plateau. This made it easy to defend. From the fort, people could see far around. This helped them spot any danger or attacks early. The fort also gave shelter to about 500 people during the conflict. These people helped make Battleford stronger.
Why Fort Battleford Was Built
Battleford was once the capital of the North-West Territories. This was a big reason why the fort was built there. The government believed the NWMP would help guide the First Nations people. They hoped it would help them change from a traveling lifestyle to a more settled one. This new way of life was similar to European societies.
The government also hoped the NWMP would help settlers. They wanted to encourage people to build homes and farms. The police presence was meant to make people respect the law.
The Canadian government knew about problems between Indigenous people and the government in the United States. They wanted to avoid similar issues in Canada. Because many Aboriginal people lived near Battleford, the government wanted a strong NWMP presence. Both the Canadian government and First Nations hoped for a different, more peaceful path.
The Changing Capital
The original plan for the Canadian Pacific Railway was to go through Battleford. But the railway route was changed to go further south. Because of this, the capital of the North-West Territories moved. It went from Battleford to Regina, which was then called Pile o' Bones.
Fort Battleford's Legacy
In 2008, a minister named Christine Tell spoke in Duck Lake. She said that the 125th anniversary of the 1885 Northwest Resistance was coming in 2010. She felt it was a great chance to share the story of the Métis and First Nations peoples. It was a story of their struggles with government forces. It also showed how these events shaped Canada today.
Fort Otter was built at Battleford's government house. This was in the capital of the North-West Territories between 1876 and 1883. After the 1885 conflict, some First Nations men faced serious consequences at this site.
Fort Battleford was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1923. It is now known as Fort Battleford National Historic Site. This honors its role as a military base during the North-West Rebellion. It was a refuge for 500 settlers. It also played a part in the Siege of Battleford.
