Calgary In 1912: A Glimpse Into the City's Vibrant History

Calgary, a city nestled in the Canadian province of Alberta, possesses a rich history that dates back over a century. One of the most fascinating periods in Calgary's past is 1912, where the city thrived amidst significant milestones and transformations. Through captivating pictures and stories, we embark on a journey to explore Calgary's vibrant history in the year 1912.

When Calgary Was on the Brink of Modernization

In 1912, Calgary was experiencing rapid growth and development. The promise of new opportunities brought forth a wave of immigrants seeking a better life. The city became a center for trade and commerce, drawing merchants, investors, and entrepreneurs from all corners of the globe. The bustling streets and vibrant markets depicted in the pictures from that era paint a vivid picture of Calgary's burgeoning economy and prosperity.

The Spark of Cultural and Artistic Flourishing

Not exclusively defined by its economic prowess, Calgary in 1912 witnessed a burgeoning cultural and artistic scene. The city saw an upsurge in the establishment of libraries, theaters, and artistic societies. The Calgary Public Library, standing tall in the heart of the city, became a hub of knowledge and creativity. Theatrical performances and art exhibitions were in abundance, showcasing the city's unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a vibrant cultural environment.

Calgary in 1912: A History in Pictures

by Ian Mutch(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6669 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Life in the Midst of Change

As Calgary embraced growth and modernization, the daily lives of its residents underwent significant transformations. With an increasing population, the city implemented vital infrastructural developments such as the construction of roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. These improvements connected neighborhoods and facilitated the movement of people and goods, propelling Calgary into a future that promised convenience and accessibility.

Agriculture and the Calgary Stampede

Calgary's deep-rooted connection to agriculture was further celebrated in 1912 through the renowned Calgary Stampede. This iconic event not only fascinated locals but also drew visitors from far and wide. Spectacular rodeo shows, parades, and exhibitions showcased the city's commitment to showcasing the region's agricultural heritage. The Calgary Stampede solidified the city's reputation as a western hub and became an integral part of Calgary's identity.

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

Calgary in 1912 serves as a reminder of the city's resilience, adaptability, and vision. As time moves forward, it is crucial to remember and appreciate the historical milestones that shaped Calgary into the vibrant metropolis it is today. By looking at the captivating pictures from 1912, we gain a profound appreciation for the city's heritage while feeling inspired to contribute to its ongoing growth and evolution.

Discover Calgary's Remarkable History in 1912!

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating visuals of Calgary's past. Explore the cultural, economic, and social transformations that define 1912, an extraordinary year in Calgary's history.

Don't Miss Out- Journey to Calgary's Past Today!

Uncover the hidden stories and vivid sights of Calgary in 1912. Be swept away by the elegance and charm that characterized this remarkable era. Discover the roots that firmly anchor Calgary's bright future!

Calgary in 1912: A History in Pictures

by Ian Mutch(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6669 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

“Calgary in 1912: A History in Pictures” contains old images of landmarks in the city of Calgary, Alberta around 1912. At the time Calgary was still a relatively small town. Today Calgary is the third most populous municipality in Canada, with a population of about 1.1 million. It has Canada’s fifth most populous greater urban area, behind Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa-Gatineau. It is the biggest city in the province of Alberta, edging out slightly less populous provincial capital of Edmonton.

In the 1970s Calgary enjoyed an economic boom, thanks to the Arab Oil Embargo that drove up oil prices and encouraged the United States and Canada to turn to the extensive, but expensive-to-exploit, oil reserves of western Canada. The economic good times fizzled out with lower oil prices in the 1980s, but oil-based wealth grew again as prices rose in the 2000s. The latest slump in oil prices has adversely affected Calgary and Alberta, but the city is surviving.

Calgary’s traditional economic mainstay wasn’t oil or gas. It was agriculture, especially cattle ranching. The city’s role as a major hub for the Canada Pacific Railway (CPR) made it the go-to destination for farmers and cattle ranchers from the surrounding countryside to sell their produce. Businessmen like Calgary’s Patrick Burns made their fortunes packing meat in Calgary and other western towns for shipment to the markets in the east.

What is now Calgary was frequented for thousands of years by various First Nations groups. The modern city, however, was founded in the 1870s as a post of the North-West Mounted Police (the predecessor of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or RCMP, also known as the Mounties) who were trying to stop illegal activity in what was then a lawless frontier region in the North West Territory. In 1875 Mounties built a base at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers called the Elbow, Bow Fort or Fort Brisebois. In 1876 the name was changed to Fort Calgary, after a place on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.

The fort gave its name to the settlement that grew up around it. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s made it easier and faster for settlers to come to the Calgary area, and the town’s population began to grow. Cattle ranchers obtained cheap land around the city and Calgary became a major meatpacking and meat export hub.

In 1912 World War I hadn’t begun yet. Alberta had only become a province about 7 years earlier, in 1905. At the time English-speaking Canadian still identified more strongly with the British Empire than they did with Canada. Great Britain was still responsible for Canada’s foreign affairs and defence, although the Canadian parliament had control over domestic policy. It was after World War I that Canada began to assert complete independence in foreign affairs and defence.