From ranch to realty: the landscape history and heritage of former settlement schemes in the Bow Valley, west of Calgary, Alberta

Abstract

This research focuses on the historic landscapes and heritage of the former settlement schemes of Mitford, Glenbow and Bowness Estates in the Bow Valley west of Calgary, Alberta. These settlement schemes were founded by privileged British and American settlers who had come to western Canada with the original intention of taking up ranching. The settlement of Mitford was founded towards the end of the 19th century, while Glenbow and Bowness arose in the early 20th century. The author has explained how these settlement schemes originated, their nature and development, and the reasons for their demise. In this regard, the author has considered not only the physical historic environment, but also where possible, the roles and thoughts of the people involved. In addition, the author has included a comparative analysis of these settlement schemes. The geographic area containing the remnants of these former settlement schemes was previously utilized as one of the major ranches in southern Alberta. In the last decade this area of land has been altered at an unprecedented rate by increasing urbanization with the result that much potential heritage has been lost. Therefore the author has provided an inventory of the remaining heritage of these settlement schemes. The author concludes by suggesting a plan for a heritage/recreation trail that could incorporate the significant heritage of Mitford, Glenbow and Bowness Estates.