Claresholm Celebrates 100 Years

Before the turn of the century, the Macleod Trail was the region’s primary North/South transportation route. In 1891 the Calgary and Edmonton Railway Line was extended to Claresholm. The town was located within a topographical low point to ensure that railway cars could not roll away. The next year, the Canadian Pacific Railway left a boxcar as a marker for a watering hole that was to serve the steam-powered locomotives of the day. A railway superintendent named the spot after his wife, Clara. When a frame building replaced the boxcar in 1895, the place was called Claresholm.

Because Claresholm was a designated stop for replenishing water for the steam engines, it made sense to also create a stopping place for the early settlers. In 1901, Mr. O.J. Amundsen from Devils Lake, North Dakota, purchased a tract of land from the Canadian Pacific Railway Company who had leased the railway from the Calgary and Edmonton Railway Company. The first settler in the town was Mr. Wm. Moffat who arrived in March 1902. Also in 1902, Mr. O.J. Amundsen brought 25 farmers from North Dakota and sold them 21 sections of land in one afternoon. Mr. Amundsen also had the town surveyed.

The village of Claresholm was established on May 30, 1903, by order in council No. 202-1903. The water tower, one of the town’s remaining historic landmarks, was built in 1910. According to the Claresholm Review, June 10, 1909, By-Law #43 was passed to raise $56,000 for a water system for the town. In the July 29, 1909 Claresholm Review, it was noted that council passed a motion to award the tender to Canada Foundry Co. for $7150.00 for the erection of 100,000 Imperial Gallon standpipe for the water works which will be 100 feet high.

The last act of the Northwest Territorial Government was to designate Claresholm as a town. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Claresholm all came into legal existence in September 1905.

Visit the Town of Claresholm website to find information on community events and activities to commemorate the centennial.