Fort Steele, British Columbia,
Canada
by Jan Krause
Day trippers are delightful glimpses at unique places around Western Montana and all over the United States. Jan and her husband Rick are avid travelers who like to explore and take hikes through National Parks, National Monuments, historical sites and other interesting areas.
| While visiting friends in Eureka, Montana early in May Rick and I decided to go exploring in British Columbia, just across the Roosville border crossing on Hwy 93. Our original plan was to drive up to Fairmont Hot Springs, but we changed our minds when we saw Fort Steele Heritage Town and put off soaking in the hot springs for another visit. According to the brochure/map handed out at the visitor center, Fort Steele's origins can be traced to the small settlement of Galbraith's Ferry, which was established during the 1864 Kootenay Gold Rush. |  |
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In 1888 its name was changed to Fort Steele in honor of Superintendent Samuel Steele of the North-West Mounted Police, who established the NWMP's first post west of the Rockies, and who peacefully settled a conflict between the white settlers and the native Ktunaxas. A mining boom of silver and lead in the late 1890's caused Fort Steele to become the commercial, social, and political center of the East Kootenay, until 1898, when the B.C. Southern Railway by-passed it in favor of Cranbrook, turning Fort Steele into a veritable ghost town. We visited the reconstructed site on May 1, the first day of the season when admission was charged. (The Heritage Town is open year-round with fees charged from May 1 through October 11, but the full programs do not begin until mid-June.) |
From upstais in the Water Tower visitors get a bird's-eye view of the Fort. The picture above was taken from the tower.
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I thought an hour would be plenty of time to explore the town, since many of the summer attractions--such as rides on Clydesdale-drawn wagons or the old steam train, musical comedies at the Wild Horse Theatre, Living History Street Dramas where costumed actors portray real life characters who lived there 100 years ago, and the turn-of-the-century fare at the International Hotel Restaurant--were not yet up and running. We ended up reluctantly leaving after two hours or so, but with plans to return during the summer season. |
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There are over 60 restored and reconstructed buildings that represent the town as it was in its heydey--black smith and barber shops, drug and hardware stores, a hospital, telegraph and newspaper offices, a school, a customs house, churchs, a water tower you can climb for a bird's eye view of the complex, the North-West Mounted Police Post with a fascinating exhibit of the officers' quarters, stables, corrals, horses and rare breeds of domestic livestock, a bandstand, hotels, and the list goes on. Candies and sundry items can be purchased in the general store and the bakery has wonderful breads, giant cinnamon rolls, cakes and assorted cookies for sale. This year several new activities are being offered including "Diggin' Fort Steele," where on-site archaeologists will discuss their findings concerning Fort Steele's residents from 100 years ago; a photography exhibit called "Inner Images," featuring the work of three local photographers; and an inhouse exhibit, "Don't Let the Sun Set on Your Face," that explores the historic roots of racism in the Kootenays from 1860-1910. Regular events throughout the year include Dominion Day, July 1, with free birthday cake, musical entertainment, fireworks, a six-horse hitch, and fiery election speeches from 1898. |
In season, musical comedies suitable for all ages are performed in the Wild Horse Theatre. The City Bakery is an actual retail operation offering baked goodies from its old fashioned wood fired brick oven.
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Canada's Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated on October 10. Visitors can follow the Clydesdales as they gather sacks of potatoes that are then baked in coals for everyone to enjoy, taste turkey roasted in a wood-fired oven, and join the congregation at the Presbyterian Church to celebrate the harvest season. The annual "Halloween Spectacular" will be held on October 31 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. with two haunted houses--one for the strong-willed and the other for young children and those faint-of-heart. Apple bobbing, a pumpkin carving contest, bonfires on street corners and a spectacular fireworks display round out the evening. |
The Perry Creek Water Wheel, capable of raising
600 gallons a minute from the mine shaft, has been restored. |
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A replica of the Wasa Hotel, originally located 15 miles north in Wasa, has a restaurant open to the public during the summer season. |
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| There are plenty of lodging and restaurant choices in nearby Cranbrook. Call (250) 417-6000, or log onto its impressive web site at www.fortsteele.bc.ca for more information. If you visit Fort Steele Heritage Town in the summer, plan on spending a full day to explore all that's offered; during the rest of the year a half day should suffice. It's a fascinating spot for all ages, and an entertaining and informative way to stroll back in time and discover what life was like 100 years ago. |
| This story on Fort Steele was written several years ago. Below is some updated informaiton sent to us by the Friends of Fort Steele at volunteer group that works to keep the Fort the great attraction it is. Please refer to the new section below for current information. |
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Fort Steele Information |
