History

• Moose Jaw was originally settled as a traditional Indian fur trader’s camp at "the turn" (known as Kingsway Park today).
• In 1881, James Ross and Hector Sutherland were exploring for land that they hoped would become the divisional point of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The juncture of Moose Jaw and Thunder Creek Rivers was the best place to cross the river valley and there was an abundant water supply for steam locomotives. They registered the town site with the Dominion Government and organized a permanent settlement.
• The construction of the CPR reached the settlement site of Moose Jaw in July of 1882 with the first work train arriving December 10, 1882 and the first scheduled passenger train in April, 1883.
• By 1885, Moose Jaw was a major settlement. In addition to the homestead population and railway workers, there was an adjacent Sioux village located in Kingsway Park, now known as Connor's Park.
• Rapid settlement after the turn of the century brought Moose Jaw to prominence in Western Canada and ushered in a commercial and industrial boom period. Town Council sought and gained City status in November, 1903. Moose Jaw became the wholesale distribution centre for a large trading area, and began processing agricultural products. Extensive railway connections attracted numerous manufacturing industries establishing Moose Jaw as the leading industrial centre of the province.