Fort Steele originated as a fur trading post and became a Kootenay River crossing known as Galbraith's Ferry. Due to disputes between the Kootenay Indians and settlers, the Northwest Mounted Police, led by Sam Steele, came here to settle the disputes and erected a fort and barracks. Thus, Fort Steele came into being in 1887. After "the Indian trouble" abated the next year, the Police left and for several years, placer mining for gold was the only activity. When silver was discovered in 1892, the town boomed with hundreds of miners and sternwheelers from Montana. In 1898 the Crowsnest Pass Railway was diverted to Cranbrook, two sternwheelers were wrecked, and the town was a dying one by 1904.

It has since been restored as Fort Steele Heritage Town.

Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns Emery's Mountain View B&B |
British Columbia History Fort Steele Heritage Town |
Motels Hotels & Resorts Sheep Heaven Farm | Location: Fort Steele British Columbia V0B 1N0

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The Most Anticipated Upcoming British Columbia Events Are: Country Christmas Merritt November 27 thru November 28 Bethlehem Walk Parksville December 12 thru December 15 Christmas at the Cannery Richmond December 12 Circle Farm Christmas Tour Agassiz November 28 thru November 29 Passport to Christmas Abbotsford continuing thru December 24

Other upcoming events include: WinterFaire Cumberland November 28 Spectacle of Lights Richmond December 5 Winter Carnival Rossland January 30 thru February 1 Bethlehem Walk Parksville December 12 thru December 15 Milner Gardens & Woodland Christmas Magic Qualicum Beach December 4 thru December 20