The Red Coat Trail
Have you heard of the Red Coat Trail? It holds considerable historical significance in Canadian history, primarily due to its association with the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The trail represents the route taken during the NWMP’s 1874 “Great March West.”
Establishing Canadian Sovereignty
In the early 1870s, the newly formed Dominion of Canada acquired vast tracts of land from the Hudson’s Bay Company, known as Rupert’s Land, which included present-day provinces Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The Canadian government wanted to assert its sovereignty over these territories, particularly to manage the chaotic conditions brought on by the influx of settlers and the illicit whiskey trade from the United States, which was causing social disruption.
The Great March
The March West, led by commissioner of the new force, Colonel George French, was a response to these challenges. In July 1874, over 300 men of the NWMP embarked on a journey from Dufferin, Manitoba, heading west to what is now Alberta. Their mission was to bring Canadian law to the prairies, establish friendly relations with First Nations, and curtail the illegal whiskey trade.
Development of the Canadian West
The establishment of the NWMP’s presence in the West encouraged settlement and development. The presence of a policing force reassured settlers about their safety and the stability of Canadian authority in the region. This facilitated the agricultural development of the prairies and the eventual expansion of the railway, both critical to Canada’s economic growth.
Modern Route
Today, the Red Coat Trail serves as a scenic travel route that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It begins in the town of Emerson, Manitoba, near the Canada-U.S. border, and moves westward through Manitoba into Saskatchewan, passing through places like Weyburn and Swift Current, before continuing into Alberta and ending in Fort Macleod.
Attractions and Activities
Travelers along the Red Coat Trail can explore various historical sites, museums, and landmarks. Points of interest include:
- Wood Mountain Post Provincial Historic Park in Saskatchewan, where visitors can learn about the history of the NWMP and their interactions with Sitting Bull, the famous Lakota leader.
- Fort Walsh National Historic Site in Saskatchewan, which was a major NWMP outpost.
- RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, which offers extensive exhibits on the history of the RCMP.
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta, a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides insights into the indigenous practices of buffalo hunting.
It is important to remember the history surrounding the Red Coat Trail and the North-West Mounted Police is complex and intersects with broader themes of colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous communities in Canada. The establishment of law and order by the police was part of the Canadian government’s larger colonial efforts, which included policies that were harmful to Indigenous peoples, such as forced relocations, residential schools, and disruptions to traditional ways of life. While the trail itself, as a route, doesn’t have a history of racism, the context and actions associated with the policing and policies of that era have been critiqued for their role in the broader pattern of colonial oppression and racism against Indigenous peoples.
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