Like most western Canadian cities, Calgary isn’t truly old. The North West Mounted Police established a fort here in 1875 (it was called Fort Brisebois for a year, upon which the name was changed to Fort Calgary). Calgary was incorporated as a town in 1884 (population 506) and as a city ten years later (population 3,900). Alberta wasn’t even a province yet – that didn’t happen until 1905.
Calgary’s population now hovers around 1.25 million, and up until the recent recession hit, the city was bustling with new development. There aren’t many significant ruins here – particularly of a late 19th century building.
The Rundle Ruins are the sandstone remains of the second general hospital, completed in 1894, and in operation until 1954. You can read more about the hospital’s history here, and find a list of the city’s designated heritage sites here.
What types of historical sites are notable where you live? Which ones are your favourites to visit?
(Photo taken August 2015)
Flowery Prose. 