Ross House Museum

We also visited the Ross House Museum, the first post office in Western Canada. William and Jemima Ross constructed the Ross House in 1852 as their home, but after the Council of Assiniboia appointed William the official postmaster, he converted his abode into the post office. The post office/house grew in popularity and became a vital point to send and receive mail in Winnipeg. The mail traveled from Winnipeg to Pembina, North Dakota and then continued to the desired address. FUN FACT: The postal rate between Pembina and Winnipeg was only one penny! Though the Ross House was originally located near the shores of the Red River, it was moved to the Point Douglas Heritage Park in order to preserve its history. We enjoyed our time at this quaint residence and were able to learn how Winnipeg became a key mailing checkpoint.

The Ross House

A monument dedicated to the Ukrainian settlers

Inside the Ross House

The history of the Ross House

Lower Fort Garry

Today, we visited Lower Fort Garry, located a bit outside the city on the Red River. The fort was built in 1830 by the Hudson Bay Company and was intended to be the company post as well as an administrative center for fur trade. After a flood destroyed the original fort, it was moved to its current location on higher ground further down the river. However, many traders opted not to do business at this fort because it was not located in the city and would require more travel. This fort is one of the finest collections of early stone buildings in Western Canada and is North America's only restored stone fort from the fur trade era. Walking through all of the different buildings, we were able to see the blacksmith shop, guest cottage, master house, sale shop, men's house, and warehouse and meet interpreters of the past to tell us more about that specific building and the jobs of the people in it. We enjoyed being able to walk around these beautifully historic grounds as well as learn more about the history of fur trade in Manitoba. 

The guest cottage

The blacksmith's shop 

The men's house kitchen 

The saleshop

The warehouse

Master apartment 

Interpreter showing us the main office