Fort Livingstone, Archaeological site and former police headquarters in Pelly, Canada
Fort Livingstone is an archaeological site containing the stone ruins of a former police fortress situated on granite hills above a creek valley. The remains include foundation walls and passages that show how the buildings were laid out and connected.
The fort was founded in 1874 and served as the first capital of the North-West Territories for 2 years. The government relocated to Battleford in 1876, and the fort was gradually abandoned.
The site shows how authorities built solid stone structures to establish order and withstand prairie conditions when settlements were sparse and distant. Walking through the remains reveals the practical design choices people made to survive and govern in this remote landscape.
The site is accessible during daylight hours and requires no special gear to explore the stone remains. Bring sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and rocky, and be prepared for exposure to sun and wind on the open hilltop.
Red-sided garter snakes make their home among the stone remains, creating an unexpected wildlife presence at this sparse hilltop location. These snakes thrive in the rocky areas where the ruins provide shelter and crevices for refuge.
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