The archaeological record shows that the Ktunaxa people (Kootenay
Indians) have passed through and camped near Fort Steele for
thousands of years prior to European settlement. Their progression
of names for this place reflects first their use as a place
to ford the river, then a place where gold was collected, a
place where rope was made (for the ferry), a place where the
bridge was built, and finally Fort Steele.
The Ktunaxa were incredibly successful as people in utilizing
the natural bounty of the region. Moving with the seasons the
Ktunaxa historically secured a good living while more specialized
nearby cultures faded into oblivion. They were a strong presence
in the region in 1864.
The origin of Fort Steele can be traced to the small settlement
of Galbraith's Ferry, which was born during the 1864 Kootenay
Gold Rush to Wild Horse Creek. In 1888 the settlement's name
was changed to Fort Steele to honour Superintendent Samuel
Benfield (Sam) Steele of the North-West Mounted Police , who
peacefully reduced tensions between the Ktunaxa and the white
and Chinese settlers who were relatively new to the area.
In 1961 the Province of British Columbia purchased the site and
committed to "preserve, present and manage for public benefit
the historic settlement of Fort Steele, including significant or
representative elements of historical value relating to the development
of East Kootenay." This continues today as the general mission
of this heritage site.
Please enjoy the history of Fort Steele as presented below.
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History
