Additional Images

Note:

During the purchase of Rupert’s Land, the newly confederate provinces of Canada had to address the issue of how to best administer and police such a large expanse of land. In establishing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Sir John A. Macdonald’s view was to adopt the Irish model of a temporary police force that would be disbanded as soon as law and order was sufficiently established and maintained. By 1873 the RCMP was an official force, acting primarily as mediators between government, settlers and indigenous groups. With the Northwest Rebellion in 1885, rising animosity between opposing factions, continued frontier settlement, railway construction and the fervor of the gold rush, it became clear that the Mounties had a necessary, ongoing role in the move westward.

The uniforms were initially chosen so that they would be easily recognized for their British heritage, and not confused with American troops in blue. Today, the bright red jacket, black boots and wide brimmed hat are an iconic symbol of Canadian national identity.

This set of paintings was created for the Centennial year.