Canada's largest city in Alberta, Calgary, has a long and interesting history. From its humble beginnings as a trading post to its current status as a major international hub, Calgary has seen its share of ups and downs throughout the years. Here, we take a look at the history of Calgary and how it has become the vibrant and cosmopolitan city it is today.
The history of Calgary dates back to the late 1700s when the area was first inhabited by the Blackfoot First Nation. It was not until 1875 that the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) established a fort in the area, which was the first permanent settlement. The fort was named Fort Calgary, after the Scottish town of the same name.
In 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) arrived in the area and began construction of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway. This railway was the first to connect the two cities, and it was instrumental in the development of the city.
The early years of Calgary were marked by a period of rapid growth. The population of the city increased from just over 500 in 1885 to more than 4,000 by the turn of the century. This growth was largely due to the influx of settlers from the eastern provinces of Canada and the United States.
In 1912, Calgary was officially incorporated as a city. This was a major milestone for the city, as it marked the beginning of its transformation from a small frontier town to a major urban centre.
In the early 20th century, Calgary experienced a period of tremendous growth and prosperity. The city was home to a booming oil and gas industry, as well as a thriving agricultural sector. The city was also home to a number of major businesses, including the Calgary Stampede, which was founded in 1912 and is still a major event in the city today.
The 1950s and 1960s saw Calgary become a major centre for the Canadian oil and gas industry. The city was also home to a number of large energy companies, including Imperial Oil and TransCanada. This period of growth also saw the city become a major financial and commercial hub.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Calgary experienced a period of economic decline. This was due in part to the collapse of the oil and gas industry, as well as a decrease in agricultural production. Despite this, the city continued to grow and develop throughout the period, and by the 1990s, it had become a major centre for the high-tech industry.
Today, Calgary is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It is home to a number of major businesses, including the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Tower, and the Calgary International Airport. The city is also home to a number of major cultural and sporting events, including the Calgary Folk Music Festival and the Calgary Marathon.
The history of Calgary is a long and fascinating one. From its humble beginnings as a trading post to its current status as a major international hub, Calgary has seen its share of ups and downs throughout the years. But despite its ups and downs, Calgary remains a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, and it continues to be a major player in the Canadian economy.