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The Wolseley Expedition 1870
Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted July, 2006
Photo from Google Street View ©2010 Google - Posted October, 2010
Photo Source - Collections Canada
Plaque Location
The District of Kenora
The City of Kenora
On the south side of Highway 17
in a pull-off just east of Keewatin
Coordinates: N 49 45.504 W 94 32.407 |
 |
Plaque Text
In August, 1870, a force of British regulars and Canadian militia comprising some 1,200 men commanded by Colonel Garnet Wolseley, arrived in this area en route to the Red River to establish Canadian authority within the present province of Manitoba. The previous year the Hudson's Bay Company had agreed to transfer control of its western territories to Canada, and some local inhabitants, fearing loss of their lands and interference with their mode of existence, had set up a provisional government under Louis Riel to press their claims on the Dominion. The expedition had disembarked at Prince Arthur's Landing on Lake Superior and travelling by land and water reached Fort Garry on August 24.
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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.
> Posted December 28, 2018
I am told that my great grandfather David Love came west with the Wolseley Expedition and then received a land grant in the Gladstone, MB area. I would like to know if anyone can verify this, and if they know what capacity he served in. Any info would be appreciated.
Candace Love
> Posted July 2, 2012
My great grandfather, James Henry Cadham, was a member of the expedition either as a carpenter or as a member of the militia. He became a contractor / architect in Winnipeg, I'd like to know if he was a member of the militia and if so, which regiment.
Thank you.
Fred Cadham
> Posted March 14, 2012
Where can I find a list of names for the Wolseley Expedition. My g-grandfather William Harrison joined in Ontario and was discharged in Winnipeg. I would like to know which Battalion he was with. He then signed on to the North West Mounted Police. Would appreciate a link to a name list if there is one online.
Thanks
Valerie
> Posted August 17, 2010
Hi Gord, Yes this James Robertson was a member of the Red River Expedition, and he is my great grandfather. He is listed as number 1328, single , a PRIVATE , Provisional Battalion of Rifles, Company 4, from Augusta, Ontario, age 23. He was given a "Bounty Warrant" of 160 acres and was discharged at Winnipeg, it appears to be on November 1874. If you want to try tracing the Bounty Warrant it is number 1210. If you want more information on this man you can email me at
Wendy Tapping
> Posted January 9, 2010
Was James Robertson part of this expedition? He became a farmer in the Gladstone and Marquette Mb. areas.
Thank you, Gord Robertson
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