The North West Mounted Police
The North West Mounted Police (NWMP) was established in 1873 as Canada’s federal paramilitary force to assert sovereignty and maintain law and order in the vast Northwest Territories. This iconic organization, recognizable by their scarlet uniforms and disciplined approach, became the foundation of today’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
What Was the North West Mounted Police?
The North West Mounted Police served as Canada’s answer to lawlessness in the western frontier. Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald created this force of 300 mounted constables to police territories that would later become Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Key NWMP Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | May 23, 1873 |
| Original Size | 300 mounted constables |
| Model | British colonial police forces |
| Primary Territory | Northwest Territories (Alberta & Saskatchewan) |
| Authority | Police officers, magistrates, justices of peace |
| Motto | “Maintiens le Droit” (Defending the Law) |
Core NWMP Responsibilities:
- Assert Canadian sovereignty in western territories
- Suppress illegal whiskey trade
- Maintain law and order
- Establish peaceful relations with Indigenous peoples
- Prevent American encroachment
- Facilitate western settlement
The force operated with broad authority, serving not only as police officers but also as magistrates and justices of the peace. This comprehensive approach allowed them to establish Canadian law quickly across the sparsely populated western territories.
Why Was the North West Mounted Police Created?
Several pressing concerns drove the Canadian government to establish the north west mounted police in 1873. Border security represented a primary motivation, as American influence and potential annexation threatened Canadian sovereignty over the western territories.
The illegal whiskey trade posed another significant challenge. American traders had established posts like Fort Whoop-Up in southern Alberta, selling dangerous concoctions to Indigenous peoples while operating beyond the reach of effective law enforcement. This trade not only violated Canadian law but also caused severe social damage to First Nations communities.
Settlement facilitation also drove the NWMP’s creation. The government recognized that peaceful westward expansion required establishing trust with Indigenous peoples and ensuring settler safety. Unlike the violent conflicts between the United States military and American First Nations, Canada sought a more diplomatic approach to territorial expansion.
How Did the Famous March West Unfold?
The legendary March West began on July 8, 1874, when Commissioner George Arthur French led 275 mounted officers and men from Fort Dufferin, Manitoba. This arduous 1,300-kilometer trek across the prairies became one of Canada’s most celebrated journeys.
March West Timeline & Statistics
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| July 8, 1874 | Departure | Left Fort Dufferin, Manitoba |
| August 1874 | La Roche Percée | Force split into two groups |
| October 1874 | Arrival | Reached Fort Whoop-Up, Alberta |
| Distance | 1,300 kilometers | Across prairie territories |
| Duration | ~3 months | Including stops and establishment |
March West Equipment & Personnel:
- Personnel: 275 mounted officers and men
- Horses: 310 horses for riding and pack duties
- Livestock: Oxen and cattle for food and transport
- Supplies: 3 months of provisions
- Equipment: Weapons, medical supplies, tools
- Leadership: Commissioner George Arthur French
The expedition included an impressive logistical operation that demonstrated Canadian authority to both Indigenous peoples and American observers. Upon reaching southern Alberta, the force immediately targeted Fort Whoop-Up and other illegal whiskey trading posts, establishing Canadian law enforcement credibility.
What Role Did the NWMP Play in Indigenous Relations?
The north west mounted police developed complex relationships with Indigenous peoples that evolved significantly over time. Initially, the force gained considerable trust from leaders like Siksika chief Isapo-Muxica (Crowfoot) and Kainai chief Mékaisto (Red Crow) by effectively suppressing the destructive whiskey trade in 1874-1875.
Key Indigenous Leaders & NWMP Relations
| Leader | Nation/Tribe | Relationship | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isapo-Muxica (Crowfoot) | Siksika (Blackfoot) | Trust through whiskey trade suppression | Facilitated Treaty 7 (1877) |
| Mékaisto (Red Crow) | Kainai | Cooperative relationship | Supported treaty negotiations |
| Sitting Bull | Sioux | Monitored by Officer James Walsh | Peaceful coexistence in Canada |
| Big Bear | Plains Cree | Adversarial during 1885 Rebellion | Surrendered at Fort Carlton |
NWMP Indigenous Relations Timeline:
- 1874-1875: Built trust by suppressing whiskey trade
- 1876: Facilitated Treaty 6 negotiations
- 1877: Supported Treaty 7 discussions
- 1876-1881: Managed Sitting Bull’s presence in Canada
- 1885: Enforced government policy during Northwest Rebellion
- Post-1885: Increasingly strained relations due to federal policies
This trust proved instrumental in facilitating negotiations for Treaty 6 (1876) and Treaty 7 (1877). However, relationships became strained as the NWMP was increasingly required to enforce federal policies that ignored Indigenous legal systems and cultural practices.
How Did the NWMP Handle Major Conflicts?
The north west mounted police faced their greatest test during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. This conflict arose from tensions over Métis rights and the constant influx of settlers into traditional territories.
Under the leadership of Superintendent Samuel Benfield Steele, the NWMP participated in key battles including Duck Lake, Fort Battleford, and Batoche. “Steele’s Scouts” became legendary for their pursuit and eventual capture of Big Bear, Chief of the Plains Cree First Nation, who surrendered at Fort Carlton.
The rebellion highlighted the NWMP’s dual role as both police force and military unit. Their involvement in suppressing the uprising demonstrated their effectiveness but also illustrated the challenging position of enforcing government policy during periods of social unrest.
Following the rebellion’s conclusion and Louis Riel’s execution, the NWMP continued their peacekeeping role while helping integrate the western territories into Canadian confederation.
What Impact Did the NWMP Have During the Klondike Gold Rush?
The Klondike Gold Rush of 1896 presented unique challenges that showcased the north west mounted police’s adaptability. When gold was discovered at Bonanza Creek on August 16, 1896, thousands of prospectors flooded the sparsely populated Yukon Territory.
Initially, only a small NWMP contingent was stationed in the area, but reinforcements quickly arrived. By 1898, over 250 officers were managing the chaos of the gold rush, providing essential government authority and personal security.
Superintendent Samuel B. Steele, who oversaw the region, described the NWMP’s transformative effect: “The whole demeanour of the people changed the moment [the NWMP] crossed the summit. The pistol was packed in the valise and not used.”
The force’s responsibilities extended far beyond law enforcement during this period. They ran mail services, organized firefighting efforts, installed drainage and sanitary systems, and ensured clean water supplies for boom towns like Dawson City. This comprehensive approach to territorial administration helped establish Canadian dominion over the Yukon Territory, formalized by the Yukon Act of June 13, 1898.
How Did the NWMP Evolve into the Modern RCMP?
The transformation of the north west mounted police into today’s RCMP occurred through several key developments. This evolution demonstrates the organization’s adaptability and growing importance to Canadian law enforcement.
NWMP to RCMP Evolution Timeline
| Year | Organization Name | Key Changes | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1873 | North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) | Original establishment | Federal frontier police force |
| 1904 | Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNWMP) | King Edward VII granted “Royal” designation | Recognition of distinguished service |
| 1920 | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) | Merged with Dominion Police | Unified federal police force |
Steps in NWMP Evolution:
- Recognition Phase (1904)
- King Edward VII bestowed “Royal” designation
- Became Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNWMP)
- Acknowledged successful frontier service
- Military Service Expansion
- South African War (1899-1902)
- First World War (1914-1918)
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Federal Consolidation (1920)
- Merged with Dominion Police
- Created unified national force
- Expanded jurisdiction coast-to-coast
- Modern RCMP Characteristics
- Over 22,000 members today
- Federal law enforcement in all provinces/territories
- Maintained original motto: “Maintiens le Droit”
The organization’s ability to adapt from frontier police to modern federal force while maintaining its core values demonstrates the solid foundation established by the original north west mounted police.
What Legacy Did the North West Mounted Police Leave?
The north west mounted police created lasting impacts that extend far beyond their operational years. Their iconic imagery—scarlet uniforms, Stetson hats, and mounted patrols—became synonymous with Canadian identity worldwide.
The Musical Ride, a ceremonial tradition begun in 1886, continues to attract international audiences and showcase the precision and discipline that characterized the force. This tradition, first officially recorded in Regina in 1887, remains a symbol of Canadian heritage.
Their approach to law enforcement emphasized diplomatic solutions over military force, establishing a distinctly Canadian model for territorial expansion. Unlike the violent conflicts that characterized American westward expansion, the NWMP’s methods contributed to relatively peaceful settlement of the Canadian West.
The force’s success enabled the creation of Alberta and Saskatchewan as provinces in 1905, demonstrating how effective law enforcement could facilitate political development. Their work laid the foundation for Canada’s coast-to-coast sovereignty and helped establish the country’s reputation for peaceful governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Reference: NWMP Essential Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When established? | May 23, 1873 |
| Who created it? | Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald |
| Original size? | 300 mounted constables |
| Primary territory? | Northwest Territories (Alberta & Saskatchewan) |
| When became RCMP? | February 1, 1920 |
| Motto? | “Maintiens le Droit” (Defending the Law) |
When was the North West Mounted Police established? The North West Mounted Police was officially established on May 23, 1873, by an act of Parliament under Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald.
What was the primary purpose of the NWMP? The NWMP was created to assert Canadian sovereignty in the Northwest Territories, suppress the illegal whiskey trade, maintain law and order, and establish peaceful relations with Indigenous peoples.
How many officers were in the original NWMP? The original force consisted of 300 mounted constables, though the famous March West in 1874 included 275 officers and men under Commissioner George Arthur French.
When did the NWMP become the RCMP? The transformation occurred in stages: the NWMP became the Royal Northwest Mounted Police in 1904, then merged with the Dominion Police in 1920 to form the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
What territories did the NWMP patrol? The NWMP originally patrolled the Northwest Territories, which included present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. Their jurisdiction later expanded to include the Yukon Territory in 1895.
