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Calgary was a cowtown many, many years ago--around 140 years ago when it was known as The Elbow or Bow River Fort then briefly Brisebois, and later became named as "Calgary" by Colonel James McLeod. It originally was built because of the whisky trade and the abuse this had on the First Nations, then it became a port where cattle would be sold and bought and transported down the rail line--which came in 1883. Calgary officially became known as a city in 1884, and the Calgary Stampede first started in 1912, and after a failed attempt due to financial losses, came back again in 1919 and has became an annual event since.

Calgary would be known as a "cow town" during that 10 day event of rodeos, stock shows, agricultural events and exhibitions, but today it's not a town at all and not wholly associated with cows, though agricultural roots still run deep, much associated with ranching that still surrounds the city. Today it's mainly known as one of the more prominent cities where many oil companies have their offices in Manhattan-like downtown with many skyscrapers, and has left a legacy in its involvement in the 1987 Olympic Winter Games and having two prolific national sport teams. It also has a large and growing university, and a grand rapid transit system linking residential areas to downtown.


The stereotype of Calgary as a cowtown still exists, especially with the onset of the Calgary Stampede every July, but don't expect too little from this city--the largest city in Alberta!

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10y ago

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