‘Original Mountie’ policing pioneer
If there was ever a stereotypical member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, it would be Sam Steele. Born to a military family in Upper Canada in 1849, Steele enrolled at the Royal Military College of Canada.
In 1866, he joined the military at the time of the Fenian raids, before fighting in the Red River Rebellion in 1870. In 1871, he joined the Permanent Force artillery, the first regular army unit in Canadian history.
Two years later, he was the third officer to be sworn in with the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) and was one of the officers to lead new recruits on the iconic March West in 1874. In 1878, he was given command at Fort Qu’Appelle. When the North-West Rebellion erupted in 1885, Steele was involved in the defeat Big Bear’s forces at Loon Lake, the last battle fought on Canadian soil. He was then transferred to Galbraiths Ferry in British Columbia, which would be renamed Fort Steele after he solved a murder in the town. Steele would eventually be transferred to Fort Macleod.
In 1898, he was became the NWMP commissioner of the Yukon and established customs posts at the head of the White and Chilkoot Passes. With the Klondike Gold Rush bringing thousands of people to the area, Steele required anyone entering the Yukon to have one ton of goods to support themselves. This helped to save the lives of many who were not equipped for the harsh climate of the Yukon. Thanks to Steele’s efforts, the Klondike Gold Rush is considered to be the most orderly of its kind in history.
Following a stint in the Boer War, Steele would serve in the First World War as a commander. In 1918, he was knighted and became Sir Sam Steele, passing away in the flu pandemic. Mount Steele, the fifth-tallest mountain in Canada, is named for him.
As we celebrate Canada’s
150th birthday in 2017, the StarPhoenix and Leader-Post are telling the stories of 150 Saskatchewan people who helped shape the nation. Send your suggestions or feedback to sask150@postmedia.com.