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 HistoryTHE EARLY YEARS — EDMONTON COMES ALIVEThe provincial motto “fortis et liber” — which means “strong and free” — is reflected in the spirit of modern Edmonton. Today’s metropolis grew from humble beginnings more than two centuries ago. Here’s how it all began … and how it evolved: Photos: Provincial Archives of Alberta 1795 — The Hudson’s Bay Company trading post — known as “Edmonton House” — is established near the present day Fort Saskatchewan. 1826 — Fort Edmonton becomes the major distribution centre for the western prairies and gateway to Canada’s North and the Pacific coast. 1871 — Settlement begins outside Fort Edmonton on the site of the present Alberta Legislature grounds. 1892 — Edmonton is incorporated as a town (pop. 700). 1898 — The Gold Rush puts Edmonton on the map as some 2,000 prospectors set off for the Yukon via the “Back Door” or “All-Canadian Route.” 1904 — The City of Edmonton is incorporated (pop. 8,350). 1905 — When Alberta enters Confederation, Edmonton becomes the provincial capital. Construction begins on the Alberta Legislature Building — the majestic sandstone edifice that symbolizes the ability of the small frontier community to compete with larger centres. 1908 — The University of Alberta is established with eight professors and 45 students. Eight years later, the University has its own campus with six buildings and more than 1,600 students. 1912 — Edmonton and the town of Strathcona amalgamate, swelling the population to 53,611. 1913 — The High Level bridge is completed, making it one of the largest bridges in Canada. After 100,000 bags of cement, 8.5 tons of steel and 1.4 million rivets, the bridge allows passenger vehicles and pedestrians to travel on the lower deck while trains and streetcars roll overhead. 1930s — Edmonton becomes the aviation hub that transports medical supplies, food, and mail to northern communities, earning the title “Gateway to the North.” Construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942 solidifies the city’s role as a major transportation and supply centre. 1943 — Edmonton’s airport sets a North American record as 860 planes pass through Blatchford Field — now City Centre Airport — in a single day. 1947 — Oil is discovered in nearby Leduc, turning Edmonton into the Oil Capital of Canada. Today, the oil and gas industry remains an economic cornerstone. 1960s — The $25-million Edmonton International Airport opens for commercial flights; and the towns of Beverly and Jasper Place are annexed. 1964 — Edmonton’s first professional live theatre, The Citadel Theatre, opens. 1966 — Edmonton’s first skyscraper, the 27-storey CN tower, is built. 1967 — World-class attraction, the Royal Alberta Museum, debuts to celebrate Canada’s centennial. 1970s — Rexall Place opens; it’s soon home to the Edmonton Oilers, who make hockey history. 1970s — Edmonton becomes the smallest city with an light rail system (LRT). 1978 — Edmonton hosts the Commonwealth Games, with athletes from 46 countries. 1981 — West Edmonton Mall, The Greatest Indoor Show on Earth, opens its doors. With a new Phase III four years later, it becomes the world’s largest shopping centre. 1983 — Edmonton hosts the World University Games. 1992 — The centennial of Edmonton’s incorporation as a town is celebrated with the opening of the new City Hall. 1995 — By Edmonton’s bicentennial, the city is worlds away from its humble beginnings as a mercantile centre during the fur trade and the Klondike Gold Rush.What began as a town travellers passed through has become a popular destination. 1993 — Grant MacEwan University’s downtown campus, with its distinctive spires, opens. 1997 — Winspear Centre for Music opens with its acoustically superior concert hall and Davis Concert Organ. 2004 — Edmonton celebrates the centennial of its incorporation as a city. 2008 — City’s population passes the 750,000 mark as the Edmonton region tops one million people for the first time in its history. 2010 — A swirl of glass and metal, and already an architectural icon of Edmonton, the new Art Gallery of Alberta opens its doors. |
Photos: Provincial Archives of Alberta EDMONTON: Many “firsts” have happened in Edmonton. Here are a few: • First provincial mail carriers make deliveries
Photos: Provincial Archives of Alberta |
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