One of the famous photographs of Canadian history- the driving of the last spike in British Columbia, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad- the Canadian Pacific Railway.
A rifle and a buffalo robe are displayed here.
The transcontinental railroad was one of the biggest projects in the history of the country, particularly so for the challenge that the landscapes of the West posed.
Sir Sanford Fleming was a Canadian railway engineer who earned his place in history with his proposal of standard time- dividing the world up into 24 standard time zones. The concept was eventually adopted around the world.
1885 saw open conflict in the west, as the Metis pushed back against the Canadian government.
It would end with the trial and execution of one of the Metis leaders, Louis Riel, seen here in the prisoner's box during his trial. The display case includes his shackles. Today he is considered the founder of Manitoba, and a Father of Confederation.
Charles Edenshaw was a Haida chief who became a prolific artist over the course of his long life. These are some of his works.
With the indigenous peoples brought in line by Canadian military forces, the subject of settling the West became one of the objectives of the Canadian government.
The buffalo robe looks warm. I like the art work! Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI understand that a lot of hard work and hard fighting went into realizing that railway line.
ReplyDeleteIt was a big project.
DeletePierre Berton memorialized a lot of this history.
ReplyDeleteIt was a story worthy of books
Delete...railroads certainly changed things!
ReplyDeleteThey did.
DeleteI'm reading another book on western history- Grassland settlers.
ReplyDeleteAnother big story.
DeleteTrains certainly united the country, William.
ReplyDeleteThey did indeed.
DeleteI have always liked trains. Thanks for sharing this exhibit, William.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteHistory ~ hope those that did the hard labor for the railroad got the credit they deserved ~
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteI like bear fur on display
ReplyDeleteIt stands out.
DeleteNice exhibition. I always enjoyed a train ride when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteGreat exhibition on railroad, Glad to read your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteTrains are special. All sorts of problems with them today in my country. Especially this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteThe better part of our LRT is problematic.
DeleteThe indigenous people have suffered in so many places.
ReplyDeleteThat is true.
Deletethe buffalo coat looks very warm and I'm guessing they had to wear garments like that to not freeze to death.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
Delete