Fort Dufferin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Dufferin |
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Fort Dufferin site with remaining buildings
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| Etymology | Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, 1st Marquess of Dufferin and Ava |
| Location | Manitoba, Canada |
| Founder | Government of Canada |
| Built | 1872 (used until 1879) |
| Designated | 1937 |
Fort Dufferin was an important Canadian government outpost. It was located in southern Manitoba, very close to the border with the United States. This fort was very busy in the 1870s. It served as a base for different groups. These included the North American Boundary Commission and the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). It was also a place where new immigrants arrived. Today, Fort Dufferin is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. This special title was given to it in 1937.
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A Look Back at Fort Dufferin's History
Fort Dufferin was built in 1872. It was located about three kilometres north of the Canada-U.S. border. The fort sat on the west bank of the Red River. It was named after the Governor General at the time, Lord Dufferin.
Mapping the Border
The fort's first big job was to be a base for the North American Boundary Commission. This group included people from Canada and Britain. Their mission was to survey the international border. This border runs along the 49th parallel north. It was agreed upon by the British and American governments in the Treaty of 1818. This treaty helped define the boundary between the two countries.
Home of the NWMP
After the border surveyors moved west, the fort got a new purpose. It became a gathering spot for the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). This happened before their famous "March West" in 1874. Members of the NWMP arrived at Fort Dufferin from the east. They traveled through the United States to get there. This was the only time the entire force ever gathered in one place.
On July 8, 1874, the NWMP began their long journey west. Their goal was to bring law and order to the North-West Territories. The NWMP also used Fort Dufferin as their main office in Manitoba. However, they moved their headquarters to Winnipeg in 1875.
An Immigration Welcome Center
From 1875 to 1879, Fort Dufferin became an immigration station. Steamboats brought new people into Canada along the Red River. Thousands of Russian Mennonites arrived here. They were settling in the West Reserve area. The fort also served as a quarantine station for animals. This helped prevent the spread of diseases.
In 1878, a new international rail line was finished. It ran on the east side of the river at Emerson. This meant steamboat traffic on the river was no longer needed. So, the immigration station at Fort Dufferin closed down. In 1879, the fort was no longer used. The Canadian government then sold the property.
Fort Dufferin Today
Fort Dufferin was officially named a National Historic Site in 1937. Today, you can visit the site during the summer. A special stone monument, called a cairn, and a plaque mark the historic spot. Some of the original buildings are still standing. They are quite old and worn down.
Many groups are working to preserve Fort Dufferin. These include local residents and the Canadian government. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veteran's Association also helps. They all want to make sure this important piece of history is saved.
