This is the second article in a 3-part series on Lethbridge
To read article 1, click here.

Fort Whoop-Up
Fort Whoop-Up was established by Montana traders who came to Canada to profit in the buffalo robe trade.

Established in 1869 as a base for trade with the Indians, one of the earliest and most notorious of the "whiskey forts" built by Americans on Canadian soil was Fort Hamilton. It was supplied by T. C. Power Company out of Fort Benton, Montana, and was operated by John J. Healy, his brother Thomas and Alfred B. Hamilton (the Fort’s namesake). It was one of the largest and most profitable of all of the trading forts.
Within a very short time the soaring profits to be made from trading for buffalo robes and other furs brought more adventures and numerous small posts were established almost overnight throughout Blackfoot Country.

Fort Whoop-Up as it became known was the largest of the established posts and forts.

Because of the use of whiskey to encourage trade, the Fort soon developed an infamous reputation.

Reports of the lawlessness of the Canadian West and the presence of American traders at forts in Canadian territory began arriving in eastern Canada prompting one of the most significant actions up to that time—the formation of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP). On July 8, 1874, 300 troopers in their bright red jackets accompanied by 114 ox-drawn carts and 73 supply wagons headed west from Fort Garry, Manitoba. Following incorrect maps and unprepared for the rigors of the Canadian West, the troops suffered many hardships.

Two months later, low on supplies, Commissioner George A. French and James F. Macleod left the main camp at Sweet Grass Hills and with a small escort, made their way to Fort Benton.

Here they were outfitted with supplies and introduced to Jerry Potts. Potts of Scottish and Blackfoot parents, returned with French and Macleod to the main column. With Potts guiding, Macleod and three troops of police arrived at Fort Whoop-Up on October 9. Expecting resistance, the police mounted artillery to cover the Fort, but were surprised to find the manager, David Akers and a few others welcoming them. Akers, it is reported, invited Macleod in for dinner.

After searching but not finding any alcohol, Macleod left Fort Whoop-Up and established a permanent post further west on the Oldman River. This first fort built by the Mounties, was named Fort Macleod in honour of their commander. The next year, 1875, Macleod divided his force sending Inspector E. A. Brisebois north to the confluence of the Elbow and River where Fort Calgary was established. He sent Inspector James Walsh east to the Cypress Hills where a third fort was built—named Fort Walsh.

Also in 1875, the NWMP entered into an agreement with Healy to rent one of the three buildings of Fort Whoop-Up—a relationship that lasted until 1888. Manned by two men during the winter, it was a barracks with a detachment of six to eight that lasted from spring thaw through to winter freeze up.

From here, mounted patrols policed the region while the traders carried on their legitimate trading activities. Within a very short time, the NWMP brought the illicit whiskey trade under control in Southern Alberta. By 1876, the bottom fell out of the robe trade. Hides glutted the market. John Healy became a sheriff, reporter, and later a gold rusher and merchant prince in the Klondike.

A replica of the Fort can now be found at the south end of Indian Battle Park at the west end of 3rd Avenue South.

The fort is open year-round. Hours of operation vary with the seasons.

During June the hours of operation are Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; July and August daily from 10:00 a.m.-5 p.m.

Current admission rates: $5.00; seniors (65+), $4.00; students aged 13-18, $3.00; children aged 5-12, $2.00; under age 5, free; family rate, $14.00

Worth Pondering…
Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.

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