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Published in: History

Saskatchewan History, not as peaceful as today’s corn fields!

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Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta were all extracted from Rupert’s Land in the 19th century. So, Saskatchewan history has similarities with the other mentioned provinces. But if you inspect the matter more closely, Saskatchewan history is closest to Manitoba history. They even share a famous figure, Louis Riel.

In this article, we take a dive into Saskatchewan history. We take a look at the defining events and their dates. Also, we will look upon some of the historical sites inside Saskatchewan and introduce them to you. So stay tuned, for it is about to begin.

Looking into Saskatchewan history, events, and dates

Like everywhere in Canada, before Europeans set foot in the land of Canada, the indigenous people occupied the land. Until the 19th century, Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company contained the area of today’s Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). This area was also known as Rupert’s Land.

In 1870, Rupert’s Land was bought from the Hudson’s Bay Company, and most of the land was attached to North-West Territories. All this process was done without consulting the natives of the area, the Metis. This turned to a rebellion led by Louis Riel, known as the Red River Rebellion. Riel fled to the US when he felt the danger of being arrested.

In 1882, southern regions of North-West Territories were divided into parts, one of which was Saskatchewan. In 1883 Regina became the Capital of North-West Territories. All of these happenings made Louis Riel set the flames of another rebellion, called North-West rebellion.

This time he was arrested after he and his men lost to the government, and he was trialed and executed in Regina, in 1885. In 1905, Saskatchewan joined the confederation; the province of Saskatchewan was formed, and Saskatchewan history became one with Canada’s.

Important events and dates in Saskatchewan history
YearEvent
Before the 17th centuryIndigenous people lived in the area today known as Saskatchewan.
1670Charles II, King of Britain, gave the fur trade monopoly to the Hudson’s Bay Company over the basin of Hudson Bay (Rupert’s Land). Saskatchewan is a part of that area.
1774Hudson’s Bay Company’s first trading post in Saskatchewan was created, named Cumberland House.
1821Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company were merged.
1846The Treaty of Oregon holds the 49th parallel line as the boundary between Canada and the United States.
1870Rupert’s land was bought from Hudson’s Bay Company.
1870-76The government acquired land through treaties, the land expanded due west.
1873Fort Livingstone became the capital of the North-West Territories.
1878Battleford became the new capital of the North-West Territories.
1882Regina, today’s capital of Saskatchewan, was established.
1882The Southern Regions of the North-West Territories were divided into four parts by the federal government: Alberta, Assiniboia, Athabasca, and Saskatchewan.
1883Regina was made the capital of the North-West Territories.
1885North-West Rebellion, led by Louis Riel. After his men lost against the government, he was brought to Regina, tried, and executed there.
1905After joining the confederation, the province of Saskatchewan was formed.

Saskatchewan’s history, like Manitoba’s, is relatively short, but it is definitely not plain. And of course, it is so peaceful now one may not imagine there had been rebellions in this very province. 

Historical sites of Saskatchewan

In the next part, we learn about some historical sites in Saskatchewan, Which played significant key roles throughout Saskatchewan history.

Tunnels of Moose Jaw

Tunnels of Moose Jaw are a series of tunnels under the city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. There are many stories about these tunnels and how they affect Saskatchewan history; not all of them are verified to be accurate; some say they were made as a sanctuary for the Chinese during some anti-Chinese era, and there are legends about tunnels used by people to make and store alcohol during prohibition times. There are even claims that Al Capone, the infamous gangster, used these tunnels to smuggle booze. True or not, today, these tunnels serve as a historical attraction for the city and even Saskatchewan.

Moose Jaw Tunnels

Batoche

Originally a settlement used by Metis people, in 1885, Batoche was the battlefield of the North-West Rebellion between Louis Riel and his Metis allies and government’s forces, resulting in Riel’s defeat; a turning point in Saskatchewan history. A few buildings, including the church, have been preserved since then, and today it’s a national historic site of Canada, designated in 1923.

Batoche, a souvenir of Saskatchewan history
Batoche, around 1885
 
Batoche, a souvenir of Saskatchewan History
Batoche, 2016
 

Final lines of Saskatchewan history

Saskatchewan’s history is not old, but it is interesting to read and know about. Though it is a calm and peaceful province with many agricultural features today, Saskatchewan history is not as calm at all. It has moments of rebellions and trials and regrettable decisions. Actually, so many things we can learn from!

 Here we get to the end of our article on Saskatchewan history; hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it.

If you are interested in other provinces’ history, check out other articles about them, and leave your feedback. We would be glad to know your opinion, anytime.

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