Pelican Portage, Alberta facts for kids
Pelican Portage is a small community in northern Alberta, Canada. It is part of the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17. This settlement sits right on the Athabasca River.
Contents
Where is Pelican Portage?
Pelican Portage is located about 128 kilometers (79 miles) southwest of Fort McMurray. It is found along the Athabasca River. The land here is about 550 meters (1,804 feet) above sea level. The community is also close to where the Pelican River joins the Athabasca River.
A Glimpse into History
Pelican Portage has an interesting history, especially regarding natural gas.
The Wild Gas Well
In 1894, a special drilling project by the government found a large amount of natural gas. This gas started flowing out of the well without stopping. It continued to flow freely for 21 years! Sometimes, the gas would even catch fire. This unusual sight made the well a popular place for people to visit. It became a kind of tourist attraction.
The Postmaster of Pelican Portage
Later, in 1927, a man named Georg Naumann became the postmaster for Pelican Portage. A postmaster is someone who manages a local post office. They are in charge of handling mail for the community. Georg Naumann did this work as part of his duties for the District of Athabasca / Alberta.
