James Morrow Walsh facts for kids
James Morrow Walsh (born May 22, 1840 – died July 25, 1905) was an important officer in the early days of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). This police force later became the RCMP. He was also the very first leader, called a Commissioner, of the Yukon Territory.
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Early Life and Police Work
James Walsh was born in Prescott, Ontario, Canada. He was one of the first people to join the North-West Mounted Police when it was created.
Establishing Fort Walsh
In 1875, Superintendent Walsh was given a big job. He had to set up a police post in the Cypress Hills. This area is now in Saskatchewan. He named the new post Fort Walsh after himself. The police chose this spot because of a terrible event in 1873 called the Cypress Hills Massacre. This event happened because of illegal trading of alcohol by Americans. Walsh's main goal was to stop this illegal trade.
Working with Sitting Bull
In June 1876, Walsh's job became even more important. Thousands of Sioux people, led by the famous chief Sitting Bull, crossed the border into Canada. They were seeking safety after a big battle in the U.S. called the Battle of the Little Bighorn. They settled near the Wood Mountain area in Saskatchewan.
Walsh and Sitting Bull became good friends. This friendship helped Walsh keep peace in the region. By 1877, Walsh spent most of his time at the Wood Mountain post with Sitting Bull and about 5,000 Sioux. Because of this, American newspapers started calling him "Sitting Bull's Boss."
Challenges and Transfer
Even though Walsh was friends with Sitting Bull, he couldn't convince the Sioux to go back to the United States. The Canadian government thought Walsh's friendship was making it harder for the Sioux to return. So, in 1880, Walsh was moved to Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. Soon after, he took time off for his health and went back to Ontario. He sadly left the police force three years later.
Commissioner of Yukon
In August 1897, during the exciting time of the Klondike Gold Rush, Walsh was chosen for another important role. He became the first Commissioner of the new Yukon Territory. This was a very busy time with many people rushing to find gold. He resigned from this position in 1898. William Ogilvie took over after him.
Later Life and Legacy
James Morrow Walsh passed away in Brockville, Ontario in 1905. A mountain peak in the Saint Elias Mountains in the Yukon is named Mount Walsh in his honor.
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James Morrow Walsh
