Fort Saskatchewan Museum & Historic Site
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

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Arrival of the Mounted Police

 

 

TRANSCRIPT

In the summer of 1874, under the command of Colonel French, a recruited force of approximately 300 men departed Fort Dufferin on a long journey into the North-West Territories. The display of eagerness and spirit among the men showed just how sincere they were in establishing law and order over the whiskey trade in the western plains. With ox carts, wagons, field pieces, cattle, and horses in tow, the mounted troop traveled until they reached Roche Percee. It was at this rest point that Colonel French made a decision to split the group into two. One group headed west toward Fort Whoop-Up and the other, north to Fort Edmonton No matter what route or assigned troop, their travel was plagued with challenges that would deter any sane individual. The troops experienced rough terrain almost impassable; extreme drought were the only water found was stagnant brackish, murky puddles; the worst grasshopper infestation ever witnessed, frightening thunder storms that spooked their high-strung horses; and inevitably, sickness among the men from poor food and water. The March West proved to be an unfriendly venture filled with challenges for both man and beast. Even though, their efforts and endurance are the beginnings and led the way for a network of 'Frontier' police detachments and patrols.

Narrated by Kris Nygren

 

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