Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
Two rival fur trading companies established posts in the Rocky Mountain House area in 1799. That fall, the North West Company built Rocky Mountain House, the first of a series of posts of that name, and the Hudson’s Bay Company erected Acton House. They were well situated to trade with the Blackfoot and other nations of Southern Alberta and the Pacific Coast.
The two companies merged in 1821 under the HBC name. New trading posts were constructed in 1835 and again in 1865, but, in 1875, the last post closed permanently. There was little activity at the site until 1922, when the Brierley family rented the land to farm. They eventually purchased it in 1928.
In 1926 the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada declared Rocky Mountain House to be of national significance. In 1970, the federal government purchased the land and declared it a national park, which was officially opened in 1979.
The Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is located 6 km west of Rocky Mountain House on Highway 11A. Today Parks Canada protects the archaeological remains of four trading posts. The Visitor Centre features fur trade exhibits, a theatre and the Trading Post gift shop.
Interpretive programs, the David Thompson Puppet Show and special events are presented through the summer.
Open mid-May to late September.
Entrance fees charged.
Please contact 403-845-2412 for more information.
Contact:
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
Site 127 Comp 6 RR 4
Mountain House, Alberta
T4T 2A4
Phone: (403) 845–2412
Fax: (403) 845–5320
Email: rocky.info@pc.gc.ca
Canada Rocky Mountain House Website