Partner City
Gleichen
Heart of the Wheat Land
Today Gleichen is a small hamlet located just adjacent to the Siksika First Nation Reserve in Alberta. Gleichen grew into a town in the late 1800s and early 1900s as hundreds of ranchers and farmers disembarked from trains in Gleichen and settled on the surounding lands. However, in the 1920s and 1930s economic changes and a series of devastating fires caused many of Gleichen's residents to move away. Today Gleichen is much smaller than it once was, but is working hard to preserve its history.
These photos and tours are possible through the generous support of our partners.
Historic Walking Tours
Then and Now Photos
Glenbow Museum and Archives NA-1941-22 & On This Spot Enterprises
Palace Hotel - 1910s
A view of horse-drawn wagons and a dog in the street in front of the Palace Hotel.
Glenbow Museum and Archives PA-3973-32 & On This Spot Enterprises
The Railway Station - 1904
The CPR station in Gleichen, with a grain elevator visible in the distance.
Glenbow Museum and Archives NA-1633-2 & On This Spot Enterprises
Looking up 4th Ave. - 1914
A view of 4th Avenue from Main Street. The building on the left houses the Gleichen Trading Company.
Glenbow Museum and Archives NA-2501-4 & On This Spot Enterprises
Cowboys - 1915
A parade of Stetson-toting cowboys preceding the Gleichen Stampede.
Glenbow Museum and Archives NA-2501-5 & On This Spot Enterprises
Milling About - 1915
A group of cowboys mills about in front of the hotel, as people watch from the veranda. This was taken during the Gleichen Stampede on June 24, 1915.
Glenbow Museum and Archives NA-5608-24 & On This Spot Enterprises
St. Andrew's - 1900s
A rear view of St. Andrew's Anglican Church.
Glenbow Museum and Archives NA-336-30 & On This Spot Enterprises
Gleichen's Cenotaph - 1921
The cenotaph commemorating Gleichen's fallen during the First World War, shortly after its unveiling.
Glenbow Museum and Archives NA-336-31 & On This Spot Enterprises
Paying their Respects - 1921
Veterans paying their respects to their fallen comrades on Armistice Day, 1921.
Glenbow Museum and Archives NA-336-32 & On This Spot Enterprises
Somber Service - 1921
Clergymen preside over a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Gleichen cenotaph shortly after its unveiling.
Glenbow Museum and Archives PA-335-1 & On This Spot Enterprises
CIBC - 1930s
A side view of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, now a library.
Glenbow Museum and Archives PA-1599-336c-1 & On This Spot Enterprises
Cars on Main St. - 1970s
Cars parked on an unpaved Main Street during the 1970s.
