The NWMP Con't...

Here they were outfitted with supplies and introduced to Jerry Potts. Potts of Scottish and Blackfoot parents, returned with French and Macleod to the main column.  With Potts guiding, Macleod and three troops of police arrived at Fort Whoop-Up on Oct. 9th. Expecting resistance, the police mounted artillery to cover the Fort, but were surprised to find the manager, David Akers and a few others welcoming them. Akers, it is reported, invited Macleod in for dinner. Some reports suggest that Macleod offered to buy the Fort, but that a price could not be agreed upon.

After searching but not finding any alcohol, Macleod left Fort Whoop-Up and established a permanent post further west on the Oldman River. This first fort built by the Mounties, was named Fort Macleod in honour of their commander.The next year, 1875, Macleod divided his force sending Inspector E. A. Brisebois north to the confluence of the Elbow and River where Fort Calgary was established. He sent Inspector James Walsh east to the Cypress Hills where a third fort was built—named Fort Walsh. Please continue to part III.