BATTLEFORD

town, western Saskatchewan, Can. It lies at the confluence of the Battle and North Saskatchewan rivers, opposite North Battleford. Established in 1876 as Fort Battleford, an outpost of the North West Mounted Police, the settlement served as capital of the Northwest Territories until 1883. Battleford was partially burned in 1885 by the Cree, who were spurred on by the Riel (North West) Rebellion of Mtis (people of mixed race). The town was resettled but after repeated flooding was moved to the north bank of the Battle River. When the Canadian National Railway bypassed it in 1903, a new settlement (North Battleford) was established on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River. Aside from flour milling and its historical interest, highlighted by Fort Battleford National Historic Park (containing buildings of the original fort), Battleford is overshadowed commercially by its northern neighbour. Sweet Grass and other Indian reservations are nearby. Inc. village, 1899; town, 1910. Pop. (1991) 4,107.