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| Geography |  Leader is situated in the southwestern portion of Saskatchewan, at the junction of Highways 32 and 21. The Saskatchewan/Alberta border is located approximately 30 kilometers away from this vibrant community.
| | History | Leader is a community rich with history and culture. Before settlement, the Leader area was the hunting ground of early prehistoric man. Some of the oldest artifacts have been discovered within the area; namely, a Midland Folsom Point dated back to 8,000 to 9,000 years before present by the University of Saskatchewan.
When the land became available for settlers, the Leader district began to fill with immigrants from various other lands. The majority of immigrants were Germans from Russia. These large numbers of immigrants were attracted to the area by the promise of free land, religious freedom, local autonomy, language rights and exemption from military service.
When families began to arrive in the Leader area, they faced immediate problems concerning food and building supplies. At that time, Maple Creek was the closest source of supplies for the settlers, and was a treacherous 3-day journey from their homes. Farmers made sure their wagons were overflowing with supplies for their families or their neighbours to last until the next trip. When the RCMP Detachment arrived in 1909, the Mounties visited each homestead to make sure the settlers had adequate supplies to last through the winter. Payments for these supplies could be made whenever the farmer could afford it.
The town of Leader has not always been known by the name of Leader. In fact, when the immigrants began settling in the area and the R.C.M.P. detachment arrived, the C.P.R. purchased a quarter section of land as the prospective site for the village of Prussia in 1911. The present-day town of Leader was known as Prussia until 1917 when the events of World War I caused settlers to deem the strong German name unsuitable for the village. Approval was granted to change the name, and a contest was held to decide the new name of the village. The name 'Leader' was submitted by Bertha Keller and Muriel Legault, and was inspired by the arrival of the Regina Morning Leader (the Regina Leader Post) on the passenger train. The village of Prussia became known as Leader, Saskatchewan, on September 27, 1917. At this same time, all of the original German street and avenue names in Leader were changed to numbers.
| | Economic Information | Leader's economic role is growing with the growing district economy. Leader has always been the agricultural service center for the district. Continuing prosperity in the grain and cattle industries assures long-term stability. The major industries within the Leader area are mainly agricultural-based services and manufacturing. According to the Statistics Canada Business Registry, in 1998 there were 87 businesses registered in the town of Leader.
| | Attractions | CHECKERBOARD HILL
Checkerboard Hill is one of the most beautiful sites in Saskatchewan and also is the vantage point for many historical sites. It is located 6.4km/4mi west of Leader on Highway 741. The top of Checkerboard Hill provides an incredible view of the river and surrounding area.
LEADER BIRD WATCHING TRAIL
The South Saskatchewan River, located near the town of Leader, is one of the most outstanding natural attractions in the province. The riparian woodlands of the Leader area are the largest of their kind in Saskatchewan, and the largest tract between the Cypress Hills and the northern forest. There are many bird species to observe in their natural habitat on the Leader Bird Watching Trail.
LEADER MILLENNIUM GARDEN
The Millennium Garden is located on Main Street in the heart of Leader. A Landscape Architecture student from the University of Guelph designed the garden as a tribute to the achievements of Leader's forefathers.
THE GREAT SAND HILLS
The Great Sand Hills are a truly unique prairie oasis. The Great Sand Hills are an impressive 1900 square kilometers of dry, desert-like landscape. The Sand Hills are subject to strong prairie winds that move the dunes east at a rate of approximately four meters per year, despite being bordered by spectacular native vegetation.
THE GREAT SAND HILLS MUSEUM
The Great Sand Hills Museum offers a walk through the pages of time, down the wooden boardwalks of the museum visiting the boarding house, hospital, livery stable, school, church, interpretive center, dentist office, and many other fascinating rooms. One may also visit the church and barn with vintage machinery on display.
THE SMITH BARN SITE
W.T. Smith built the largest barn in North America measuring 400'x 128'x 60' in 1914, located 9 miles northwest of Leader. The Smith Barn Site has been recognized as a provincial heritage site, with a scale model placed at the site of the concrete remains.
| | Other Info | There are several educational facilities located within the town of Leader. There is one elementary school that enrolls children from Kindergarten to Grade 2, and a high school that enrolls children from Grade 3 to Grade 12. Leader also offers post-secondary education via satellite, and there is a Catholic separate girl's school within the Leader area.
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