From its early days as a coal mining town with a bustling red-light district to its emergence as an agricultural powerhouse, Lethbridge's history is a fascinating tale of economic transformation and development.
Here are some things you may not know about Lethbridge’s history!
Coal & Railway: Foundations of a City
The coal industry played a pivotal role in Lethbridge’s development. At the turn of the 20th century, Lethbridge’s mines employed around 150 men. That number grew to 2,000 at the peak of World War I. During this peak, Lethbridge area mines were churning out the most coal in all of the Northwest Territories (which used to include Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, Ontario, Quebec, and most of Manitoba).
The first rail line, constructed by the Alberta Railway and Coal Company in August 1885, further boosted the city's economic growth. The Canadian Pacific Railway's efforts to settle southern Alberta greatly influenced Lethbridge's prosperity and resulted in the construction of our impressive High Level Bridge, standing 96 m high above the Oldman River Valley below and stretching over 1.6 km long - Lethbridge’s most iconic landmark.
Fun Fact: Despite the dizzying heights of the High Level Bridge and the lack of harnesses, not a single worker was killed climbing the construction site during the roughly 2 years it took to complete.
The coal boom spurred several municipal projects, including a water treatment plant, a streetcar system, a power plant, and exhibition buildings. The period between 1907 and 1913 saw a construction and real estate boom, cementing Lethbridge's status as a full-fledged city center. 1913 was the same year that our beloved Post Office building was built – who knew over 100 years later, we would still see parts of this history within our walls here at Select!
Irrigation: Transforming Agriculture
Early agriculture in Lethbridge was challenging due to the semi-arid landscape and unpredictable weather. To counter this, extensive irrigation systems were developed. LDS settlers provided the labour in exchange for land.
Between 1898 and 1900, a 185-km canal network diverted the St. Mary River, forming Western Canada's first large-scale irrigation system. This network reached Lethbridge in 1901, fostering communities like Raymond, Magrath, and Stirling along the way. High-value crops like sugar beets were introduced to meet the intense labour demands of irrigation.
Post-World War, the irrigation system expanded significantly. Today, it consists of four main districts, served by a 283-km main canal (and that’s not even counting any feeder channels!)
Agri-Hub History
With the destruction of the buffalo populations in the 1870s, cattle ranching began to take root in southwestern Alberta. Initially, a free-range system was used, where cattle were branded and released into the prairies. The formation of Stock Associations, like the Pincher Creek and South-Western Stock Association, played a crucial role in organizing and controlling this industry. In 1901, the Canadian North West Irrigation Company set aside land for a model farm. Under William Fairfield's guidance, this farm introduced alfalfa cultivation, which revolutionized local cattle feeding practices. By 1906, the Dominion Department of Agriculture established the Dominion Experimental Station at Lethbridge, which you may know today as the Lethbridge Research Centre. Now it is one of the biggest agriculture research facilities in Canada.
There are over 120 agri-food related businesses in the Lethbridge and surrounding area, ranging from manufacturing to transportation to service streams. According to ChooseLethbridge.ca, the Agri-Food sector has increased its employment by 25% over the last decade.
Fun Fact: Did you know that 21% of Alberta’s overall canola is grown in the region?
The greater Lethbridge area boasts over half a million cattle in local feedlots – the most in one area anywhere in Canada! Institutions like Lethbridge College, the Lethbridge Research Centre, and the University of Lethbridge contribute significantly to the Agri-Food sector, both as information resources and major employers in the area. Today, agriculture has far surpassed coal as Lethbridge's primary economic driver.
Red Light District of Lethbridge
In the early 20th century, Lethbridge harbored an infamous red-light district. It was known as 'The Point', operating from 1908-1920 between 3rd and 4th Ave S. This area, featuring six large houses, some functioning as brothels, was a testament to the city's lesser-known past. There were a healthy number of saloons throughout the city, too –already somewhere between 12 and 18 saloons by 1885 (reports vary), with a new one seemingly popping up every few weeks, according to historian George Kush.
By 1920, the red-light district relocated to 3rd Ave and 3rd Street S, nicknamed the 'Segregated Area', and remained active in that location until the 1940s. Lethbridge’s red-light district – one of the largest in western Canada – was closed in 1944 following provincial government orders, marking the end of an era in the city’s history. If you’re interested in learning more, visit the Galt Museum –they have a whole book on Lethbridge’s Red Light District.
Rear View Mirror
Lethbridge's journey from a coal mining powerhouse, complete with a vibrant red-light district, to the agricultural center it is today reflects its rich history. This evolution is not just an economic transformation, but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the community. Lethbridge now stands as a lively city with a unique past, offering insights into the broader narrative of Alberta's development.