Woolford, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Woolford
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Hamlet
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 Woolford
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Southern Alberta |
| Census division | 3 |
| Municipal district | Cardston County |
| Founded | 1900 |
| Population
(1986)
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| • Total | 13 |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Postal code span | |
| Area code(s) | +1-403 |
| Highways | Highway 503 |
Woolford is a small community called a hamlet in southern Alberta, Canada. It is part of Cardston County. You can find it on Highway 503.
Woolford is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Cardston. It is located between the St. Mary River and the Milk River Ridge. The hamlet was named after Thomas Woolford, who arrived in the area in the year 1900. In 1986, only 13 people lived in Woolford.
Contents
The Story of Woolford Flat
Did you know there are actually two "Woolfords"? The original settlement was called Woolford Flat. It was located about one mile northeast of where present-day Woolford is now.
Why Did Woolford Move?
In 1910, the Canadian Pacific Railway built a new train line. This line went from Raley to Whiskey Gap. However, the railway decided to bypass the original Woolford town site. This left the first settlement without any train services.
Because of this, the community split into two places. The original town site became known as "Woolford Flat." The new town site, built along the railway, kept the old name "Woolford."
What Was at Woolford Flat?
Woolford Flat was a small area. It included:
- A school house
- The L.D.S. Church (a church building)
- Three private homes
What Was in the New Woolford?
The new Woolford, built by the railway, was a bit bigger. It had:
- A Chinese restaurant
- A two-story general store
- A United Church
- A blacksmith shop (where metal items were made)
- A lumber yard (for wood)
- Three grain elevators (tall buildings for storing grain)
- Eight private homes
What Can You Visit in Woolford?
If you visit Woolford, you can check out the Woolford Provincial Park. This park is located west of Highway 503, just outside Woolford. It's about 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of Cardston. Provincial parks are great places for outdoor activities and enjoying nature!
