Rio Grande, Alberta facts for kids
Rio Grande is a small community found in northern Alberta, Canada. It's located within a region called the County of Grande Prairie No. 1. This area is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of Highway 43 and 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of the city of Grande Prairie.
Rio Grande is a community known for its farming activities. It was settled in the beautiful valley of the Redwillow River, which is part of the Pouce Coupe Prairie in the southern Peace River Country.
European settlers arrived in Rio Grande around 1915. However, it's important to know that a Métis community lived there even before that time. The name "Rio Grande" was suggested by early settlers, Min and Clay Stumpt. They had spent a winter near the famous Rio Grande river on the Mexico-United States border. They might have thought the Redwillow River and the nearby "grande prairie" (meaning "big prairie") reminded them of that place.
History of Rio Grande
Rio Grande quickly became a lively place with many public events and buildings.
Early Events and Buildings
- The first Rio Grande Rodeo was held in 1916. Rodeos are exciting events where cowboys and cowgirls show off their skills with horses and cattle.
- A Catholic Mission, which is a type of church, was built in 1917.
- The Rio Grande School District started in 1918, meaning children in the area could go to school.
- A post office, where people could send and receive mail, opened in 1919.
Growth of the Community Center
In the late 1920s, the Rio Grande Rodeo found a permanent home on the south side of the Redwillow River. On the north side of the river, a community hall was built. This hall was located near a large new church and a rectory (a house for the church's priest). A new store and post office were also built across the road from the hall.
This group of buildings became the heart of the Rio Grande community for many years. However, the store was destroyed by fire in 1955. The school closed in 1944, and the post office closed in 1957. Even though some things changed, the Rio Grande Rodeo, the church, and the community hall still stand today, marking the special place that is Rio Grande.
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Kelly Lake | Goodfare | Hythe Beaverlodge |
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| Mount Valley |  |
Halcourt | ||
 Rio Grande  |
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| Redwillow River | Sylvester | Elmworth |
