Where the Bow and Elbow Rivers Meet, and a City Was Born
Long before skyscrapers dominated the horizon, the area where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet was a vital gathering place for the Blackfoot, Tsuut'ina, and Îyârhe Nakoda nations. In the late summer of 1875, "F" Troop of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) arrived at this exact spot. Their mission: to build a fort, curtail the illegal American whisky trade, and prepare the territory for the railway.
Originally named Fort Brisebois after its first commander, it was quickly renamed Fort Calgary in 1876 by Assistant Commissioner James Macleod, who took the name from a castle on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. The fort served as a policing hub, hospital, and social center, sparking the rapid settlement that would eventually become the City of Calgary. By 1914, the original fort was sold to a railway company and demolished.
A 2026 Transformation: For decades, the site functioned as a museum focused solely on the NWMP. However, to recognize the deep, layered history of the land that existed long before 1875, the site underwent a massive rebranding. Today, it is officially known as The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland and was gifted the Blackfoot name I'táámito'táaattsiiyio'pi (harmonious meeting place). As of 2026, the site is undergoing a $5 million redevelopment to introduce powerful new Indigenous exhibits and community spaces. (Discover more city milestones in our 101 Facts About Calgary guide).
While the original 1875 pine-log palisades were demolished by the railway in 1914, the City of Calgary purchased the land in 1974. Today, you can explore detailed reconstructions of the NWMP barracks and stables, built upon the exact archaeological footprints of the original outpost.
As part of The Confluence's multi-million dollar revitalization, this brand-new 900-square-foot exhibit (translated to "Our Way of Life") honors Blackfoot culture and history. It is a cornerstone of the site's ongoing effort to Indigenize the space and tell a complete story of the land.
Located just off the main reconstructed fort site, the Hunt House (built circa 1876) is one of the oldest buildings in Calgary still on its original site. Nearby is the restored Deane House (built in 1906 for the Fort's superintendent), which now operates as a highly acclaimed local restaurant.
Completed during a previous revitalization phase, this stunning interpretive public art piece by artist Jill Anholt uses illuminated red poles to symbolize the physical boundaries and enduring legacy of the original wooden fort walls.
The Confluence sits directly at the intersection of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. It serves as a beautiful starting point for walking or cycling Calgary's massive urban pathway network, offering sweeping views of the downtown skyline and the adjacent East Village.
In collaboration with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC), The Confluence opened a dedicated ceremonial and programming room. This space provides Indigenous peoples with no-cost access for smudging and community activities, reflecting the site's true nature as a gathering place.
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