Original Humboldt

Welcome to Humboldt... we've been "on the map" since 1876!

Original Humboldt

Original Humboldt has a unique combination of important historical features.

Transportation
Original Humboldt was located on the Carlton Trail as an important part of the movement of people and goods overland between Winnipeg and Edmonton before the arrival of the railway.

Communication
Original Humboldt was part of the 1876 Dominion Telegraph Line. The Humboldt telegraph station was built in 1878 by George Weldon, whose wife Catherine would become the first female telegraph operator in the west. The first telegraph message from Humboldt was sent on August 25, 1878.

Military
During the 1885 Resistance, General Middleton and his troops camped in the vicinity of Original Humboldt. The site became a military site used as a storage and supply depot under Lt. Colonel George T. Denison of the Governor General’s Body Guard. The Humboldt telegraph station became a critical link as the station remained untouched during the Resistance, thus allowing continued contact with Ottawa. Denison noted that, "...during this period, Humboldt became the end of the telegraph line."

For further information on the site…view the online exhibit A Line Through the Wilderness.

Our Founders
On April 30, 2009, the Original Humboldt land was presented as a gift to the City of Humboldt. This land purchase was possible through the generous contributions of the following founders:

• Kevin and Michelle Bankowski
• Elvira Breker family
• Ed and Isabelle Brockmeyer
• George and Marion Burton
• Conexus
• Michael Deutscher
• David and Darlene Eberle
• Friends of the Museum
• Gerald and Jeanette Hergott
• Harold and Joan Hergott
• Rev. Alvin and Marion Hingley
• Dr. Warren and Karen Huber
• Garry and Karen Jenkins
• Art and Ursula Klassen
• Dennis and Vyenda Korte
• Brad and Wanda Lefebvre
• Bernie and Gloria Malinoski
• Edward Novecosky
• Mrs. Hedwig Ogilvie
• Al and Carol Oleksyn
• John and Marilyn Scott
• Mark and Shirley Seidel
• Leon and Lois Winkel

Research
We are just beginning to research and explore the rich history of the land. This will be done through professional and public archaeological work at the site, as well as more in-depth research and historical studies of this important area.

Development
The overall goal of the project is to share the story of this land. Its unique history will be told through interpretive signs and development at the site, while carefully preserving the heritage resources on the land. Educational materials will help raise public awareness and increase understanding of the important connection of the site to the history of Canada.

Another important aspect of the project is to establish a legacy of the stories by compiling resource material related to the history of the land. These documents, oral histories, photographs and related information will be publicly accessible through the archives and research room.

Share your story
The land has been an integral part of the lives of many people. If you have a story to share about the Original Humboldt site, please contact us.

You can help to share the stories
We would appreciate any assistance in this research and development phase of the project. Please consider becoming involved in this exciting community initiative by making a charitable contribution to the project. You may send your cheque, payable to the City of Humboldt to:
Original Humboldt
c/o Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery
Box 2349
Humboldt, SK S0K 2A0

Trails of 1885
This incredible story will be told at numerous sites throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. For further information about the Trails of 1885 project, visit the Trails of 1885 web site.

For further information about the Trails of 1885 project, visit the Trails of 1885 web site.