Rocky Mountain Rangers (1885) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocky Mountain Rangers |
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A Rocky Mountain Ranger patrol formed up near Medicine Hat. Heading up the column, on the extreme right, is Chief Scout "Kootenai" Brown, with Captain Lord Richard Boyle beside him.
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| Active | 1885 |
| Country |  Canada |
| Branch | Non-Permanent Active Militia |
| Type | Cavalry |
| Size | 114 officers and men |
| Part of | Alberta Field Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Macleod |
| Battle honours | North West Canada, 1885. |
| Disbanded | 1885 |
The Rocky Mountain Rangers were a group of volunteer soldiers formed in western Canada. They were created in 1885 to help during the North-West Rebellion. This unit was made up of mounted riders, mostly cowboys and ranchers. They came from the area around Fort Macleod, which was the main base for the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). Fort Macleod was located near the Rocky Mountains, about 150 miles west of Medicine Hat. It's important not to confuse this group with a different army unit called The Rocky Mountain Rangers from Kamloops, British Columbia, which exists today. Instead, the 1885 Rocky Mountain Rangers were the original group that led to today's South Alberta Light Horse (SALH) army unit.
The Rangers' Story: Protecting Western Canada
The fight against Louis Riel in western Canada was led by Major-General Frederick Dobson Middleton. He was a British commander in the Canadian Militia. Middleton didn't trust the new cavalry troops from eastern Canada. He felt they didn't have enough experience or know the land well. So, he took advice from Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald. The Prime Minister suggested using local people as soldiers. He said they would be "much more serviceable than town-bred men who compose our cavalry."
The main job of the Rocky Mountain Rangers was to act as mounted soldiers. They were meant to help the NWMP patrols. They also provided security for the crews building the railway.
The Rangers were led by John Stewart, a rancher who became a militia officer. He was from the Fort Macleod area. The unit was a mix of local citizens, ranchers, trappers, and former Mounties. They were all trained to become a cavalry unit.
In March 1885, Stewart was told to create "four units of Rocky Mountain Rangers." He was visiting family in Ottawa when he heard about the Métis uprising. He quickly started organizing the units.
There were 114 members in the unit, led by Major Stewart. The members were supposed to bring their own horses, riding gear, and sidearms. However, because their weapons were very different, Major Stewart arranged for them to get NWMP rifles. These included some older Snider–Enfield rifles and 40 of the newer 1876 Winchester rifles.
One part of the Rangers, called Number 3 Troop, stayed in the Fort Macleod area. They acted as a local guard. But Number 1 and 2 Troops were sent to Medicine Hat. This was a very important place because the new Canadian Pacific Railway crossed the South Saskatchewan River there. This river was the biggest natural obstacle on the railway's path between Winnipeg and the Rocky Mountains. If the bridge there was taken or destroyed, it would have caused big problems for moving soldiers, equipment, and supplies by train.
The Rangers' main job was to patrol southern Alberta and western Assiniboia, especially in the Cypress Hills area. The main fighting of the North-West Rebellion happened far north of the Cypress Hills, near Batoche and Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. So, it became clear that the Rangers wouldn't be directly involved in those big battles.
However, the Rangers still had a couple of important moments. On May 19, 1885, a cattle herder was attacked. Then, in early June, a patrol near the Cypress Hills came under attack. Even though they weren't in the main battles, the Rangers always knew that trouble could happen further south. Their presence helped keep the peace and made local settlers feel safer.
The 1885 Rocky Mountain Rangers unit was officially ended on July 17 of that year. Many of the soldiers were likely disappointed. But Captain Stewart was able to get them the North West Canada Medal. He also got them "Rebellion scrip." This scrip allowed any Ranger who applied for it to receive either $80 or 320 acres of land.
The Rangers' Legacy: A Lasting Honor
The Rocky Mountain Rangers are seen as the original group that led to the modern-day South Alberta Light Horse (SALH) unit. Because of the Rangers' service in 1885, the SALH carries the battle honor "North West Canada, 1885" on its guidon (a special flag).
