I. G. Baker Company facts for kids

The I. G. Baker Company was an important business that sold many different kinds of goods, like groceries and supplies. It was based in Fort Benton, Montana. The company was started in 1866 by two brothers, Isaac Gilbert Baker and George Amos Baker. At first, it was called I. G. Baker & Brother.

How the Company Grew

In 1873, two new people joined the company as partners: Charles E. Conrad and Wm. G. Conrad. When they joined, the company's name changed to I. G. Baker & Co. The next year, in 1874, the Conrad brothers bought out George Baker's share of the business. Even after this change, the company kept the name I. G. Baker & Co.

A Big Sale in Canada

Later, in 1891, the I. G. Baker Company sold its businesses in Canada. A very famous and old company called the Hudson's Bay Company bought them. The Hudson's Bay Company was a major competitor to I. G. Baker in Canada.

Impact in Western Canada

The I. G. Baker Company played a big role in the early history of Western Canada. They opened the very first store in a place that is now Calgary, Alberta, in 1875. This was a major step for the growing community.

Other Store Locations

Besides Calgary, the company also had stores in other important locations. These included Fort Macleod and Lethbridge in Alberta. They also had a store in Fort Walsh, Saskatchewan. These stores helped supply people living in these new settlements.

Bringing Cattle to Alberta

The I. G. Baker Company also made history in another way. They brought a large group of cattle from Montana into southern Alberta. This was the very first time livestock like cattle were brought into the area. Today, raising cattle is a huge and important industry in Alberta.