Fort Normandeau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Normandeau |
|
|---|---|
Fort Normandeau replica constructed in 1973
|
|
| Location | Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada |
| Built | 1885 (used until 1893) |
Fort Normandeau is a historical place that marks the beginning of the city of Red Deer, Alberta. It was used by soldiers from the 65th Battalion, Mount Royal Rifles in 1885. This happened during a historical event known as the North-West Rebellion. The fort is located close to a river crossing on the Red Deer River.
The fort you can visit today is a copy of the original. It sits about 5 kilometers west of the city of Red Deer. The first fort was actually about half a kilometer further west.
Contents
History of the Fort
Early River Crossing Use
Long ago, the Red Deer River crossing was a busy spot. Animals like buffalo, deer, and elk used it to cross the river. Later, First Nations people followed the buffalo herds and used the same crossing. After them, fur traders and early settlers also used this important river crossing.
How Red Deer Grew
In the early 1890s, a railway line was being planned. This was the Calgary and Edmonton Railway (C&E). The railway was first going to pass right by the original fort site. However, a man named Leonard Gaetz made a different offer. He gave half of his own land to the railway company. This land is where downtown Red Deer is today. Because of this, the city of Red Deer grew up around the new railway station. As of 2023, Red Deer has about 105,000 people living there.
Fort's Abandonment and Move
The river crossing continued to be used by the North-West Mounted Police. They used it until 1893, when the fort was no longer needed. After it was abandoned, the original fort was eventually taken down. The replica of Fort Normandeau was built and moved to its current location in 1974.
Becoming a Park
The City of Red Deer bought the fort and the land around it in 1983. They worked to fix up the fort and built a special center for visitors. This center helps people learn about the fort's history. The park officially opened to the public in 1986. Today, it's a great place to learn about the history of the area.
External links
