1873
On May 23, the enabling bill for the creation of a police force for the Northwest Territories is given royal assent. The NWMP were formed to give the Northwest Territories a government presence, to ensure a lawful region for European settlers, and to stop the liquor trade which was devastating the Native Peoples.

1874
After training all winter, 275 Mounties spend July through August riding across the prairies toward present-day Alberta. Tired and lost, the force camped in the vicinity of Writing-On-Stone (W.O.S.) in early September. They stayed for 4 days and while here, a number of men viewed the rock art and some even carved their names upon the sandstone cliffs. Once rested, the force moved north to build fort MacLeod.

1887
In response to whisky smuggling, Native horse raiding parties, and concerns about mining activities as Gold Butte, Montana, the North West Mounted Police establish a summer tent camp at Writing-On-Stone.
 

1889 Wooden buildings are erected at Writing-On-Stone. the post becomes part of the boundary patrol system stretching from the Rocky Mountains to Manitoba.

1890-1897
The problems the N.W.M.P. anticipated along this stretch of the border never developed. Rather than tracking smugglers, the men were kept busy with the rather tedious tasks of fighting numerous prairie fires, herding American-owned cattle back across the border and riding long patrols along the boundary. During an average week at Writing-On-Stone, the men would ride over 700 miles on patrol. Alcoholism, desertion, and loneliness became serious problems at W.O.S..

1897
Writing-On-Stone reaches its height of activity with 12 horses, 5 Mounties, and 2 hired range riders. However, life continues much the same as before.

1897-1917
The number of men declines at Writing-On-Stone as some are reposted to the Yukon while other sign on to fight in the Boer War in South Africa. Never having more than 3 men, the post reaches an all-time low in August, 1905, when only one special constable is stationed at W.O.S.. During this period, large numbers of settlers move into the area and seek the Mounties assistance to get established. Fortunately for the Mounties, the post becomes the local gathering place and host to numerous social events.

1905
Alberta becomes a province of Canada.

1916-1917
The Alberta Provincial Police assumes general policing duties from the Royal North-West Mounted Police. The Mounties remain at the border posts to enforce federal border legislation.

1918
With the entry of the United States into World War One, the federal government fears little criminal activity along the border and closes all border posts. Writing-On-Stone closes in May and is burned down a short time later by persons unknown.
 

1973-1975 As part of the N.W.M.P. centennial celebrations, the Writing-On-Stone post site is archaeologically excavated and the buildings subsequently rebuilt according to the original specifications.

1989
The interior of the barracks are refurnished to recreate the year 1897. Visitors to Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park can view the Police Post by participating in special guided hikes. Tour schedules are posted throughout the park.

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Dawson Creek R.C.M.P. History
Fort Steele History
125th Boundary Commission Trail
History of R.C.M.P
 

For more information:
• Adams, Gary, Michael R.A. Forsman and Sheila J. Minni, 1977. archaeological Investigations: Writing-On-Stone N.W.M.P. Post. Edmonton: Alberta Culture, Historic Sites Service, Occasional Paper no. 4, 356 pp.
• Dempsey, Hugh, 1973. A history of Writing-On-Stone. Unpublished manuscript on file with Alberta Recreation and Parks and the Archaeological Survey of Alberta, 150 pp.
• Dempsey, Hugh A., editor, 1974, Men in Scarlet. Calgary: Historical Society of Alberta/McClland and Stewart West, 230 pp.
• Hurt, Leslie J., 1979. A History of Writing-On-Stone N.W.M.P. Post. Edmonton: Alberta Culture, Historic Sites Service, Occasional Paper no. 5, 239 pp.