sask:misc:nwmp:rochepercee


Roche Percee Camp

Roche Percee, Saskatchewan, Canada


The NWMP (NORTH WEST MOUNTED POLICE) forerunner of the RCMP (ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE) stopped at Roche Percee in 1874
and this is an actual account below from the diary of Henri Julien, who accompanied the group.

July 25, 1874

We reached Roche Percée. This singular rock is a white sandstone of wind formation, running up like a crest from the bottom of the Souris Valley. At its base. it measures about 35 feet in height and the base about 140 feet. Some parts are softer than others, and from the combined influence of wind and rain, fissures and holes have been worn through it.
On different parts of the rock are cut the names of people who have passed by and many hieroglyphics which, of course, remain a mystery to us.

-Henri Julien

Henri Julien- Bio Ext link below




Sketch by Henri Julien in 1874


On Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at 1600 hrs, this March was re-enacted into the Village.


CLOSE-UP OF THE PLAQUE
SHORT CREEK NWMP CAMP


NWMP Cairn supposed to mark the spot where the NWMP camped on July 25, 1874, on their way to Fort McLeod, AB
This was NOT the Exact location of the Short Creek Camp.
Now have heard from 2 sources, the location of the camp was actually on a piece of land owned by the Langen family today (2011) and used as a hay field.

The Real location was the West side of Short Creek (Riviere Courte) south of the Souris River and SW of Roche Percee.
All based on an original sketch of the camp, from 1874, compared to views today.


part of my Dad's 1927 map of this area

Camp location SW Section 25 , Township 1, Range 7, W2

lat- 49- 03- 50 N
long- 102- 49- 10 W

Elev 535 ft

It is a bit of a mystery why the Cairn is in downtown Roche Percee, but probably a way for tourists to take pictures of the general area it was in,
without disturbing the Langen family.

Please note- I would ask anyone going there, respect their wishes, and stay off their land, Without asking their permission first.

NWMP had a Barracks down near the USA border,
NE Section 1, Township 1, Range 7, W2


Map showing NWMP Short Creek Barracks
Part of my Dad's 1927 map


Map showing the Barrack's Location at bottom of map above, from 1955 History Book
This map also shows the location of the Red River Cart, at the intersection of the Boundary Commission Trail,
and the old original location of Highway 39 from Roche Percee to North Portal.

See my Estevan NWMP Wood End Museum Page For more Pictures from this event

  • Last modified: 2018/01/25 15:54
  • by dlgent