Calgary history

Founding and First Mentions

The history of Calgary began in 1875, when a post of the North-West Mounted Police (the predecessor to the modern Royal Canadian Mounted Police) was established at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. Originally named Fort Brisebois, it was renamed Fort Calgary in 1876. The primary mission of this fortified point was combating the illegal trade of spirits and maintaining law and order in Western Canada.

Key Factors of Formation

The rapid growth of the settlement was driven by several decisive factors that transformed it from a small outpost into a significant city:

• Geographical Location: Its position in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and on the edge of the Canadian Prairies made Calgary a natural hub for trade and transport in the region.
• Canadian Pacific Railway: The arrival of the railway in 1883 was the main catalyst for development. This event ensured a reliable connection with the east of the country, stimulated mass migration, and turned Calgary into an important agricultural and commercial centre.
• Political Status: Obtaining the status of a municipality (town) in 1884 and official city status in 1894 strengthened its administrative and economic importance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

At the dawn of its existence, Calgary's economy was firmly linked to agriculture and cattle ranching. Fertile lands and the active recruitment of farmers by the railway company contributed to the rapid development of the agrarian sector. It was this rich culture of the Wild West and the traditions of cattle ranchers that formed the basis of the famous "Calgary Stampede" festival, which first took place in 1912 and remains one of the city's main symbols to this day.

Chronology of Calgary's Development

From a police outpost to a bustling metropolis, the history of Calgary is full of key moments that defined its modern appearance. Below is a brief timeline of the most important events in the life of the city.

• 1875 — A post of the North-West Mounted Police, known as Fort Calgary, is founded to establish order in Western Canada.
• 1883 — Arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, giving a powerful impetus to the growth and development of the settlement.
• 1884 — Calgary officially receives municipality (town) status.
• 1894 — The settlement receives the higher status of a city within the North-West Territories.
• 1912 — The first "Calgary Stampede" festival is held, subsequently becoming the city's calling card.
• 1947 — Discovery of major oil deposits in the region secures Calgary's status as the oil capital of Canada.
• 1966 — The University of Calgary opens; previously a branch of the University of Alberta, it gained full autonomy this year, becoming a leading educational and research centre.
• 1981 — The first line of the C-Train light rail system is launched, significantly improving urban transport.
• 1988 — The city hosts the XV Olympic Winter Games, bringing it global fame.
• 1989 — The local ice hockey team, the "Calgary Flames", wins the Stanley Cup.
• 2013 — In June, the city experiences catastrophic flooding, leading to large-scale recovery works and the creation of new protection systems.

Key Milestones in Calgary's Development

The transformation of Calgary from a modest police outpost into a dynamic metropolis is a story marked by a number of turning points. These moments not only defined the economic landscape but also shaped the unique cultural character of the city.

• Arrival of the Railway (1883): The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway was a decisive factor for growth. It connected the isolated settlement with the rest of the country, turning Calgary into a key transport and distribution hub for agriculture and ranching. This event stimulated an influx of settlers and laid the foundation for future economic prosperity.
• The First "Calgary Stampede" (1912): What began as an agricultural fair and rodeo quickly turned into a cultural phenomenon. The "Calgary Stampede" not only became a world-renowned festival attracting over a million visitors annually but also cemented the city's image as the capital of Canada's "Wild West," celebrating its cowboy heritage.
• Oil Boom (1947): The discovery of large oil fields in the region radically changed the city's economy. Calgary rapidly turned into the unofficial energy capital of Canada, causing unprecedented population growth and a construction boom. Skyscrapers began to appear one after another in the city centre, forming its modern business skyline.
• Hosting the XV Olympic Winter Games (1988): This event brought Calgary to the world stage. World-class sports infrastructure was created specifically for the Games, including the Olympic Oval and the bobsleigh/luge track. The Olympics not only gave a powerful boost to tourism development but also left a valuable legacy that the city uses to this day.
• Creation of the C-Train System (1981): The launch of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system became an important milestone in urban development. The C-Train significantly improved the transport accessibility of districts, linking suburbs with the business centre, and remains the backbone of Calgary's public transport system today.
• Economic Diversification (Early 21st Century): Realising the vulnerability caused by dependence on oil prices, the city began to actively develop other economic sectors. Today, Calgary is becoming an important hub for technology companies, financial services, and logistics, making its economy more resilient and diverse.

The architectural appearance of Calgary is a visual history of its rapid growth: from a modest outpost to a thriving metropolis. Unlike old European cities, you will not find Gothic or Renaissance styles here. Calgary's development was defined by pragmatism, economic booms, and modern ambitions.

The Sandstone Era (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

After a major fire in 1886 destroyed most of the wooden structures, the so-called "Sandstone Period" began in the city. Local stone began to be actively used for construction, which not only improved fire safety but also gave the city centre a monumental and unified look. Buildings of this era, many of which are preserved on Stephen Avenue, are often designed in the Romanesque Revival style (Richardson Romanesque). They are characterised by massive walls, arched windows, and the rough texture of the stone. A striking example is the historic City Hall building, built in 1911.

Modernism and the Oil Boom (Mid-20th Century)

The discovery of oil deposits in 1947 radically changed Calgary's economy and architecture. The city became the oil capital of Canada, sparking a construction boom. Sandstone was replaced by glass, steel, and concrete — the materials of modernism. The first skyscrapers began to rise in the city centre, reflecting the spirit of optimism and prosperity. One of the symbols of this era was the Calgary Tower, opened in 1968. Although it is no longer the tallest building, it remains an iconic monument of that time.

Postmodernism and Contemporary Architecture (Late 20th – 21st Century)

Since the end of the 20th century, Calgary's architecture has become bolder and more experimental. Economic diversification and the hosting of the 1988 Winter Olympics gave impetus to the creation of new landmark objects. Postmodern buildings with complex shapes and bright details are appearing in the urban landscape.

• The Bow — this curved skyscraper, built in 2012, became a new symbol of downtown and a striking example of modern corporate architecture.
• Central Library — opened in 2018, this building by the Snøhetta bureau impresses with its futuristic design featuring an oval facade and extensive use of wood in the interior.
• National Music Centre (Studio Bell) — a complex with unique curved forms clad in terracotta tiles, combining exhibition spaces, concert halls, and studios.

Today, Calgary's urban development focuses on densifying the centre, creating a comfortable urban environment, and constructing ambitious architectural projects that form a dynamic and recognisable image of the city on the world stage.

Guy Weadick

• Role: Showman, founder of the "Calgary Stampede".
• Significance: An American cowboy and rodeo promoter who, in 1912, convinced four wealthy Calgary ranchers to finance the first "Calgary Stampede" festival. This event became the city's calling card, celebrating its cowboy heritage globally and evolving into "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth".

Stephen Harper

• Role: Politician, 22nd Prime Minister of Canada (2006–2015).
• Significance: Although Harper was born in Toronto, his political career is inextricably linked to Calgary. He represented a Calgary constituency in the House of Commons and was one of the founders of the Reform Party. His tenure as Prime Minister made him one of the most influential politicians associated with the city.

Naheed Nenshi

• Role: Politician, 36th Mayor of Calgary (2010–2021).
• Significance: Nenshi became the first Muslim to be elected as mayor of a major Canadian city. During his time in office, he received international recognition, including being awarded the title of "World Mayor" in 2014. His leadership during the devastating floods of 2013 and his emphasis on civic engagement left a noticeable mark on the city's recent history.

James Gosling

• Role: Computer scientist, programmer.
• Significance: A Calgary native and University of Calgary graduate, Gosling is known as the "Father of the Java programming language". His work at Sun Microsystems in the 1990s led to the creation of one of the most influential and widely used programming technologies in the world, forever changing software development.

Bret "The Hitman" Hart

• Role: Professional wrestler, writer.
• Significance: A member of the legendary Hart wrestling dynasty based in Calgary. Bret Hart became a global superstar in the 1990s and is considered one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time. He is deeply connected to the city's identity; a local ice hockey team, the "Calgary Hitmen", is even named in his honour.

Lanny McDonald

• Role: Ice hockey player, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.
• Significance: McDonald, easily recognisable by his red moustache, was the captain of the "Calgary Flames" when they won their only Stanley Cup in 1989. He remains one of the most beloved and iconic figures in Calgary's sports history, and his number 9 was the first to be retired by the team.

Tegan and Sara

• Role: Musicians, indie-pop duo.
• Significance: Twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin began their musical career in Calgary in the late 1990s. They achieved international success, released numerous albums, and received several Juno Awards and Grammy nominations. Their youth and formative years in Calgary are described in their memoir "High School", which was adapted into a TV series of the same name.