History of Strathcona Edmonton

Strathcona took its first steps over 117 years ago when the Calgary and Edmonton Railway Company completed its line from the Canadian Pacific Railway line in Calgary to a terminus south of the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Despite pressure to cross the river and end the line at Edmonton, the company wanted to monopolize the benefits of future land sales and so created a new settlement they called South Edmonton. With it they developed a new commercial centre - one that would soon overtake Edmonton.

Property was purchased from landowners, rails were laid and the first train arrived in August 1891. The new link to the outside world brought prosperity with the arrival of thousands of new settlers who were looking for the promise of a great future. The first buildings were erected by C & E Railway Company and included the railway station, section house, engine house and a hotel, called Edmonton House (now the Strathcona Hotel). All buildings were built along what is now 103rd Street.

http://oldstrathcona.ca/history