Rifle Pits & Fort Pitt
Local Points of Interest
There are two significant historic sites a short distance from our Museum. Both are worthy of your time and the stories they represent warrant your exploration. Guided tours to the historic Frenchman Butte Rifle Pits and Fort Pitt provide a very interesting outlook as you step back in time. Walk in the footsteps of warriors and government militia men in a timeless landscape which still bears the scars of a key battle in the 1885 Northwest Rebellion/Resistance
The Frenchman Butte National Historic Site
The Frenchman Butte National Historic Site commemorates the Battle of Frenchman Butte, fought on May 28, 1885, during the North-West Resistance.
Located approximately 5 kilometres from the Frenchman Butte Museum, the Frenchman Butte National Historic Site is only a short drive away and makes a fascinating addition to your Museum visit. Visitors can walk the hillside and see the historic rifle pits dug by Plains Cree warriors, while taking in the landscape where the events of 1885 unfolded.
During the Battle of Frenchman Butte, Plains Cree warriors occupied defensive positions overlooking the valley as Canadian militia under Major-General Thomas Bland Strange approached from the opposite side. After an exchange of fire, the Canadian forces withdrew, and the Cree later continued northward.
The Battle of Frenchman Butte was one of the final armed engagements of the North-West Resistance of 1885. The encounter was a stand-off, with neither side achieving a decisive victory.
Today, the landscape remains an important part of understanding the battle. In addition to the Cree rifle pits, the battlefield includes the area associated with the Canadian militia positions on the opposite side of the valley, offering visitors a broader perspective of the events that took place here.
A visit to the Frenchman Butte National Historic Site is a wonderful addition to your visit to the Frenchman Butte Museum. Standing on the hillside and looking across the valley offers a perspective that photographs and written history alone simply cannot provide.
We encourage visitors to experience both the Museum and this important National Historic Site during their time in Frenchman Butte.
The Battlefield
Across the valley from the Cree rifle pits, Canadian militia under Major-General Thomas Bland Strange took up positions during the Battle of Frenchman Butte on May 28, 1885.
The steep slopes, wet valley bottom and well-positioned Cree defences made an advance across the valley extremely difficult. An exchange of rifle and field-gun fire followed, but neither side achieved a decisive victory. Strange's forces eventually withdrew, while the Cree later continued northward.
Today, visitors can view the battlefield landscape from both perspectives. The historic rifle pits remain visible on one side of the valley, while the area associated with the Canadian militia positions can be found on the opposite side.
Together, these locations help visitors better understand the terrain and circumstances that shaped the Battle of Frenchman Butte.
Fort Pitt
Fort Pitt Provincial Historic Park, also recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, is located approximately 22 kilometres west and south of Frenchman Butte, near the North Saskatchewan River.
Established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1829, Fort Pitt served as an important fur trade post and stopping point between Fort Carlton and Fort Edmonton. Its location along the North Saskatchewan River made it an important centre for trade and travel in the region.
Fort Pitt also holds an important place in Treaty 6 history. In September 1876, representatives of the Crown and First Nations gathered at Fort Pitt as part of the Treaty 6 negotiations and signing.
The site later played a significant role during the North-West Resistance of 1885. In April, members of Big Bear’s band arrived at Fort Pitt, where negotiations took place with the North-West Mounted Police. Civilians left the fort with the Cree, while the small NWMP detachment withdrew by river. The fort was subsequently dismantled and burned.
Today, visitors can explore the archaeological remains of two Hudson’s Bay Company posts, walk through the historic landscape and learn more through interpretive panels about the fur trade, Treaty 6 and the events of 1885.
Together with the Frenchman Butte National Historic Site and the Frenchman Butte Museum, Fort Pitt offers another opportunity to explore the many layers of history that have shaped this area.
Plan Your Visit
Frenchman Butte National Historic Site — Rifle Pits
The Frenchman Butte National Historic Site is open every day from sunrise to 11 p.m.
Located approximately 5 kilometres from the Frenchman Butte Museum, the Rifle Pits are only a short drive away. Follow the Parks Canada signage to the historic site.
Take time to walk the site, view the original Cree rifle pits and look across the valley toward the area associated with the Canadian militia positions. Interpretive signage helps visitors better understand the events and landscape of the Battle of Frenchman Butte.
We highly recommend including the Rifle Pits as part of your visit to the Frenchman Butte Museum.
Fort Pitt Provincial Historic Park
Fort Pitt Provincial Historic Park is located approximately 22 kilometres west and south of Frenchman Butte, off Grid Road 797, along the North Saskatchewan River.
Visitors can explore the archaeological remains of two Hudson’s Bay Company posts and learn about the fur trade, Treaty 6 and the North-West Resistance through interpretive panels located throughout the site.
Amenities include a picnic area, washrooms and canoe access to the river.
As access, facilities and conditions can change, visitors planning a trip to Fort Pitt are encouraged to check current Saskatchewan Parks or Tourism Saskatchewan information before travelling.