RCMP History

RCMP

A Brief History

The RCMP was established on May 23rd, 1873. The act in 1873 established a need for a Mounted Police for the Northwest Territories. At the times, the police force was recruiting men between the ages of 18 and 40 for up to $1.00 a day pay.

On August 30th, 1873 the Mounted Police force became know as the North West Mounted Police (NWMP). The initial size of the North West Mounted Police was three troops of fifty men each for a total strength of 150 men.

In 1874, the then Commissioner of the NWMP, George A. French, realized that the force was too small for the tasks at hand. Commissioner French increased the size of the NWMP force adding three more troops of fifty and thus doubling the size of the force.

Between 1874 and 1875, the main task for the NWMP was to establish and maintain peaceful and productive relationships with the Aboriginal people of Canada. This era saw the signing of Treaties which resulted in the Aboriginal people of Saskatchewan and Alberta surrendering title to large portions of their territory.

The increase in settlement was sean starting from 1881 to 1883 with the construction of the railway line across the prairies. At this time the white populations increased drastically and the Aboriginal people way of life was changed to the Reserve lway of life that can still be seen today.

With the increase in population, the demand and need for more troops was again becoming evident. So in 1883 the NWMP force's strength was almost doubled to now be a total of 500 men.

By late 1883 the railway was reaching the Rockies. The time frame between 1883 to 1885 characterized by a number of labour strikes that the NWMP had to deal with. Dealing with the labour strikes was one of the many tasks performed by the NWMP. The NWMP performed mail delivery services, controlled disease, were collectors for customs, controlled fires, acted as agents for Aboriginal issues, and much more, as well as maintaining peace and order.

In 1896 the Canadian government made efforts to increase settlement and thus the population of Canada. This saw an increase in the Canadian population from 1896 to 1914 with the largest gourps of settlers from Russia, Germany, Sweden and Europe.

From 1896 to 1900 the NWMP was busy dealing with the gold rush in the Yukon. The forces numbers increased drastically in the North over this times frame with the establishment of detachments ion the North.

In 1904 the NWMP saw a change to their name with the addition of Royal, thus becoming the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP). The title Royal was granted to the NWMP by King Edward the VII.

By 1919 the force had grown dramatically in size. The RNWMP of this time had approximately 19 detachments around the country. Over the years the RNWMP headquarters had been moved around, but it was in 1919 that the RNWMP headquarters was moved to Ottawa. It was also at this time that the RNWMP became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Today, the RCMP is a recognized symbol worldwide. The RCMP provides a wide variety of services to the Canadian public. The RCMP provides Federal, Provincial and Municipal policing. The RCMP also has representatives in International roles as Liaisons to different countries around the world. As well, RCMP members are sent on overseas missions when needed.

The RCMP today is well know for the Musical Ride. The Musical Ride is a troop of thirty two riders on horseback performing a number of cavalry drill moves. The Musical Ride performs around the world.

Take a look around our RCMP Store Page and see what historical items are available.