Stirling - Its First Settlers

Stirling
Its First Settlers
Written by Mitch Rice

Stirling Historical Society
Stirling, Alberta, Canada

On May 5, 1899, a group of Mormon Settlers from Utah arrived at the Stirling railroad station. They were met by Charles Card, a church leader already in Southern Alberta, who travelled from Cardston to greet them. The settlers spent their first night in the railroad section house. The following morning, they unloaded their belongings right onto the open prairie. Later that day, some Northwest Mounted Police and custom officers inspected their goods and livestock and gave them customs clearance.

President Card helped them inspect their new town site. It was made up of one square mile, divided into 10 acre blocks. These were further divided into 2 1/2 acre lots. These lots gave residents enough room to build their homes, barns, shelters for their animals, and left room for a large garden to be planted. The settlers chose their lots, moved their goods, equipment and livestock onto it; they then pitched their tents that had been furnished them by the Alberta Government. Theodore Brandley wasted no time in getting a makeshift store setup, he brought in supplies from Lethbridge and used one corner of his tent for Stirling's first store and post office. This first group of 29 settlers were the first to arrive and settle what is now Stirling, Alberta, Canada. To find out more about each of the settlers just click on the appropriate name.