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| Geography | The Town of Battleford is centrally located on the Yellowhead Highway (No. 16) between Lloydminster and Saskatoon. Battleford is 4 kilometres (kms) south of North Battleford and approximately 140 kms northwest of Saskatoon.
| | History | Founded in 1875 as a Fur Trading Post and the first established North West Mounted Police (NWMP) post, Battleford is the oldest community in the province and boasts spectacular historic sites, which have survived the passage of time.
Many buildings from the past era are still in use today featuring many different architectural styles including the following:
Court House/Land Titles (1907) - The oldest existing Court House in the province: Built in 1907 as part of the compensation package provided when the CN Railway was built north of the North Saskatchewan River. It is the oldest existing Court House in Saskatchewan, and to this day functions as a Provincial Queen's Bench Magistrates Court.
Queen's Hotel (1883) - The oldest operating Hotel in the province: Considered to be one of the two oldest hotels in the province, The Queen's Hotel is a Second Empire Revival-style building, of log construction built in 1883. Originally a two-story boarding house it was used for the Battle River Agricultural Society and Doctors and Lawyers offices in 1885 to 1886.
Land Titles (Registry) Office (1877): Located 1.5 miles south of Battleford on Old Highway No. 4 is the first known and oldest standing brick building built in the province. Constructed in 1877, it served as the Land Titles Office, housing all land deeds in the area when Battleford was the capital of the Northwest Territories, until 1907.
The Original Government House/Industrial School (1876): Built in 1876, the Old Government House is located 1.5 miles south of Battleford on Old Highway No. 4. Unfortunately the landmark was burned down by vandals and meetings are taking place currently to determine what will take place in the future.
Fort Battleford National Historic Site: Built in 1876, Fort Battleford was the first NWMP Post in Saskatchewan and served as such until 1924. During the 1885 North West Riel Rebellion between Aboriginals and the Federal Government the Fort protected 500 settlers. A Mass gravesite of eight Aboriginal prisoners hung during the rebellion is near the stockade of the Fort. In 1948 it was designated as a Provincial Heritage Property; then designated as a Federal Heritage Property and a National Historic Site in 1951.
The Original Presbyterian Gardiner Church (1886): Built in 1886 the old Gardiner Presbyterian Church was the first brick church (gothic style) built in Western Canada at the location of 121, 20th Street West.
Town Hall/Opera House (1912).
The Original 1911 CNR Railway Station - presently Pennydale Junction Restaurant.
Battleford Post Office (1911) - oldest operating Post Office in the province.
St. Vital RC Church (1883).
The Merchants Bank of Canada (1912).
| | Attractions | The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame was organized in 1983. The first members of the Hall of Fame were inducted at a ceremony held in 1985. There have been induction events each year since, with a total of 248 individuals, 11 teams, 3 communities, and 1 family team, as of 1999, inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
Located in the Town of Battleford, are numerous ball diamonds, soccer field, arena, curling rink, and paddling pool. Kramer Campground located between the Fred Light Museum and the Fort Battleford National Historic Site contains 74 campsites, with 36 electrified sites with a panoramic view of the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Fort Battleford National Historic Site: Tour five original buildings with costumed interpreters; visit the Gift Shop & Canteen, operated by Battle River Settlement Foundation Inc.; attend special events such as Canada Day & Historic Weapon Demonstration.
The Fred Light Museum: The museum is named after the founder of the museum who was a member of a pioneer Mounted Police family. He had devoted many years to the collection of artifacts. This collection combined with artifacts donated by interested individuals offers a glimpse of old Battleford.
Table Mountain: Approximately 60,000 skier visits each season are a testament to the outstanding facilities at Table Mountain. Table Mountain was the first ski area in Saskatchewan to install a quad chairlift and it continues to be a leader in alpine recreational facilities in Saskatchewan. The ski hill is located 20 minutes west on Highway 40.
The Battlefords Provincial Park: The park, consisting of rolling hills and wooded areas, is situated on the shores of Jackfish Lake, a 30-minute drive from The Battlefords. Family recreation is the cornerstone of the park's large, lush green lawns, top-rated golf course, modern campsites, beautiful beach, and playground area.
Finlayson Island provides residents and visitors a chance to see nature in its full bloom as well as year-round activities from cross-country skiing and walking trails to fishing and picnicking.
| | Other Info | From daycares to senior citizen centres, everything is centrally located or within a short walking distance. The Town of Battleford has two elementary schools from kindergarten to grade 8 and one private school, K - 12. Students attending high school are bused to North Battleford located only 4 kms to the north. There are numerous restaurants and shops along Main Street. There are a total of 5 police officers patrolling the Town of Battleford.
There is a hospital in North Battleford for people residing in the town.
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