Urban Settlement: 1870-1904

After slowly expanding out from the fort, many settlers came together to expand the settlement of Edmonton. Built more for survival, and focused less on longevity or style, there are few remaining architectural examples from this period. Once the first rail line was connected, many additional main railways were extended through Edmonton to bring pioneers and supplies from the east, which accelerated the growth of the settlement in the coming years.

Historical Context

In May 1870, the settlement that later grew into Edmonton became a part of Canada when the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) agreed to Rupert's Land purchase. As part of the agreement, the HBC received reserved land grants, totaling about 3,000 acres, around each of its posts. In Edmonton, the boundaries of the Hudson's Bay Reserve were roughly present day 101 Street on the east, 121 Street on the west, the North Saskatchewan River on the south, and 127 Avenue on the north.

Development beyond the fort was timid at first; only an occasional homesteader ventured to farm outside the palisades. The first significant building was a Methodist church erected in 1871 about one mile from Fort Edmonton. But aided greatly by the adhesion of Treaty No. 6 in 1877 at Fort Edmonton, the settlements eventually grew into a town, with slow growth occurring north of the river until the expansion of a rail line.

The northern terminus of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway was built on the south side of the river in 1891, which created another small settlement, namely, South Edmonton. While North of the river, Edmonton was incorporated as a town in 1892 with its first Mayor, Matthew McCauley. As the two communities grew, years of rivalry ensued. South Edmonton was incorporated as the town of Strathcona in 1899.

Effects of Expansion

It is important to acknowledge that with the ongoing expansion of the Edmonton settlement, displacement of First Nations and Metis people in and around the Fort was necessary. Most notably, the urban settlement required the surrender of the Papaschase Reserve, and the disbursement of their members across Alberta and Western Canada. Notable contributors to this dark history of expansion include Frank Oliver, Richard Secord and John McDougall. Other surrenders that took place parallel to the blossoming settlement were the Enoch Cree Nation (1902) and the Michel Reserve.

Early Construction

Wood construction was the standard method since trees were readily available. Many of these structures were later replaced with more permanent buildings. By the 1890s, brick buildings were starting to appear among the frame structures downtown, including a new two storey store for the Hudson’s Bay Company. The simple style of small foursquare houses was popular. Some wealthier newcomers brought plans with them for larger and more ornate Queen Anne or French-style houses.