Duhamel is a small rural community located in the central prairies of Alberta, Canada. It is located on Hwy 21, at 52°55′ N 112°58′ W, approximately 100 km SSE of Edmonton and 20 km SW of Camrose, the closest major trading center. Prairie refers to an area of land in North America of low topographic relief that principally supports grasses and herbs, with few trees, and is generally of a mesic (moderate or temperate) climate. ... Motto: Fortis et Liber (Strong and free) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Edmonton Largest city Calgary Lieutenant Governor Norman Kwong Premier Ralph Klein (PC) Area 661,848 km² (6th) Land 642,317 km² Water 19,531 km² (2. ... {{Canadian City/Disable Field={{{Disable Motto Link}}}}} Motto: Industry Integrity Progress City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada location. ... Camrose, a Canadian city, is situated in Central Alberta, amidst some of the richest farmland in the prairies. ...

Although Duhamel is now a tiny hamlet, with a population under 100, it has a long history in the development of Alberta.

Early history

The early trading post of Duhamel was situated 2-3 miles northwest of the current site, directly on the main local fording of the Battle River. Around 1886 the post was moved to the site where highway 21 now crosses the river (52°57′ N 112°58′ W) The trading post was a key point for exchange between the First Nations people, the fur traders, and the Hudson's Bay Company. 1886 is a common year starting on Friday (click on link to calendar) // Events January 18 - Modern field hockey is born with the formation of The Hockey Association in England. ... The Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) (TSX: HBC) is the oldest corporation in Canada (and North America) and is one of the oldest in the world still in existence. ...

In 1910 the town was moved to its present location on the newly constructed Grand Trunk Pacific rail line from Tofield to Calgary. The Duhamel/Battle River rail bridge was one of the largest wooden rail bridges ever constructed, at 3,972 feet (1210m) in length and a height of 120 feet (32m). 1910 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Grand Trunk Pacific Railway logo or herald The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) was a historical Canadian railway. ... {{Canadian City/Disable Field={{{Disable Motto Link}}}}} Motto: Heart of the new west City of Calgary, Alberta, Canada location. ...

Geography

Nearby communities include:

• New Norway
• Ferintosh
• Camrose
• Bittern Lake

New Norway is a small rural community located in the central prairies of Alberta, Canada. ... Ferintosh is a small village in North-central Alberta, about 30 minutes. ... Camrose, a Canadian city, is situated in Central Alberta, amidst some of the richest farmland in the prairies. ...

References

Memory Opens the Door (New Norway and District 1972) - local history book, no ISBN