1901 Alberta Map

Map Description

This historic document is a detailed 1901 railway system map sourced from Cram’s Standard American Railway System Atlas of the World. It illustrates the vast territorial expanses of Western Canada before the modern provincial boundaries were fully established. The map highlights the North-West Territories, specifically the districts of Alberta, Assiniboia, Athabasca, and Saskatchewan. Notable features include the intricate network of early rail lines, major river systems, and the emerging townships that defined the region’s development at the dawn of the 20th century.

Interesting Alberta Facts: 1901

• The Path to Provincehood: In 1901, Alberta was not yet a province. It was still a district of the North-West Territories. It would take another four years of political negotiation before the Alberta Act established it as a province in 1905.
• A Growing Population: The 1901 Census recorded the population of the Alberta district at approximately 73,022 people. For perspective, the city of Calgary had only about 4,000 residents at the time—a stark contrast to the millions living in the province today.
• The Agricultural Boom: This year marked a significant era of the "Last Best West" campaign. The Canadian government was aggressively recruiting settlers from Europe and the United States, offering 160 acres of free land to any male settler over 18 who could establish a homestead.