Local historian George Kush shared some of his knowledge of Fort Macleod’s cemeteries and characters on Thursday. At left is Holly Williams, whose idea it was for Fort Macleod Library to host the tour.
Twenty-one people braved a strong gale Thursday night to hear the history of Fort Macleod’s cemeteries.
Local historian George Kush also talked about some of the early characters who are buried in the cemeteries during his presentation organized by Fort Macleod Library.
Kush explained Fort Macleod’s first cemetery was located on the island in the Oldman River where the North West Mounted Police had their first fort.
When spring flooding proved to be a problem, the Mounted Police were granted permission to locate to what is now known as the 1884 North West Mounted Police Barracks provincial historic site on the west end of town.
A new cemetery was established where the Subway restaurant is located.
Eventually the Town of Fort Macleod was allowed to establish Union Cemetery where it now stands.
The Holy Cross Cemetery was also established in its present location at the same time.
Kush pointed out for people the location of the pioneer area of Union Cemetery.
That area in the northern section of the cemetery contains the graves of early residents, including buffalo hunters, settlers, town residents and business people.
The wooden crosses and markers deteriorated due to the elements and the identities of the people buried there have been lost to time.
Kush also explained that Fort Macleod’s early Chinese residents were not allowed to be buried in the Christian or Catholic cemeteries, due to prejudices of the times.
A section referred to as “the Chinese cemetery” was pointed out for people taking part in the tour.
Kush talked about some of the people buried in the cemetery, including legendary Mounted Police scout Jerry Potts and his son.
Kush also told the story of two North West Mounted Police constables who ignored the advice of oldtimers and set out for Fort Kipp, only to be caught in a blizzard.
They were found frozen to death on the prairie when the storm abated.
Another tale involved a cowboy known as Fred the Ratter, who indeed had been employed by his parents in their rat-hunting business back in England.
Kush has a wealth of information about the area and its people, but had to save much of it for another — hopefully calmer — day.
People were invited to Stronghold Brewery to sample a special brew unveiled on Thursday following the presentation.
