Calgary, Alberta, has a rich and diverse history that reflects its evolution from a small settlement on the Canadian frontier to a thriving modern city. Known for its Western heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and rapid growth, Calgary’s history is deeply intertwined with the development of Canada’s West.
Early Beginnings: The Land of the Blackfoot
Before European settlers arrived, the area that is now Calgary was home to Indigenous peoples, primarily the Blackfoot Confederacy. For thousands of years, the Blackfoot, along with the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina First Nations, lived in harmony with the land, using the Bow and Elbow Rivers as vital water sources for their communities.
The Blackfoot Confederacy, known for their hunting skills and horses, played a significant role in shaping the region’s early history. The name “Calgary” itself comes from the Gaelic word Cala-ghearraidh, meaning “bay farm,” named after Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.
The Arrival of the North West Mounted Police (1875)
Calgary’s history as a settlement began in 1875 when the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) established Fort Calgary at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. The purpose of the fort was to maintain law and order, as well as to curtail the illegal whiskey trade that was rampant in the area at the time.
Fort Calgary became the foundation upon which the town would grow, and it played a vital role in maintaining peace between settlers and Indigenous peoples.
The Canadian Pacific Railway and Calgary’s Economic Boom (1883-1914)
In 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) reached Calgary, marking a turning point in the town’s history. The arrival of the railway opened up the region to settlers, trade, and industry. Calgary quickly became a transportation and agricultural hub, as settlers from Eastern Canada and Europe arrived in search of farmland and new opportunities.
In 1894, Calgary was officially incorporated as a city. The CPR’s influence shaped the city’s early economy, and Calgary became known as the “Gateway to the Rockies” for tourists traveling to Banff National Park.
The early 1900s brought an economic boom, largely driven by agriculture and cattle ranching. Calgary’s annual Stampede, which began in 1912, reflects this cowboy heritage and remains a vital part of the city’s cultural identity today.
Oil Discovery and the Birth of the Modern Calgary (1947)
The discovery of oil in nearby Turner Valley in 1914 hinted at the city’s future, but it wasn’t until 1947, with the discovery of the Leduc No. 1 oil well, that Calgary truly began its transformation. The oil boom attracted investment, jobs, and people, turning Calgary into the center of Canada’s oil and gas industry.
As oil prices surged in the decades that followed, the city experienced rapid growth. Skyscrapers sprang up, and Calgary’s skyline began to take shape, symbolizing its economic power and burgeoning influence in Canada.
The 1988 Winter Olympics: Calgary on the Global Stage
In 1988, Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics, a landmark event that put the city on the global stage. The Olympics brought worldwide attention to Calgary and contributed to the city’s development, both in terms of infrastructure and international reputation.
The Olympic legacy lives on in facilities like the Olympic Oval and Canada Olympic Park, which continue to serve athletes and tourists alike.
Modern Calgary: A City of Innovation and Diversity
Today, Calgary is known for its high quality of life, strong economy, and vibrant cultural scene. While the energy industry remains a key pillar, the city has diversified its economy to include sectors like technology, health, and tourism.
Calgary’s population has grown significantly, welcoming people from around the world. This has made it one of Canada’s most diverse cities, with a thriving arts community, world-class festivals, and a culinary scene that reflects its multicultural makeup.