Reports of the lawlessness of the Canadian West and the presence of American traders in forts in Canadian territory began arriving in eastern Canada prompting one of the most significant actions up to that time—the formation of the North West Mounted Police. On July 8th, 1874, 300 troopers in their bright red jackets accompanied by 114 ox-drawn carts and 73 supply wagons headed west from Fort Garry, Manitoba. Following incorrect maps and unprepared for the rigors of the Canadian West, the troops suffered many hardships.

Two months later, low on supplies, commissioner George A. French and James F. Macleod left the main camp at Sweet Grass Hills and with a small escort, made their way to Fort Benton.

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.

The Police, also in 1875, entered into an agreement with Healy renting one of the three buildings of Fort Whoop-Up.  A relationship that lasted until 1888. Manned by two men during the winter, it was a barracks with a detachment of six to eight that lasted from spring thaw through to winter freeze up.

From here, mounted patrols were sent out to police the region while the traders carried on their legitimate trading activities. Within a very short time and with little blood shed, the NWMP brought the illicit whiskey trade under control in Southern Alberta.  By 1876, the bottom fell out of the robe trade. Hides glutted the market. John Healy became a sheriff, reporter and later a gold rusher and merchant prince in the Klondike.

Alfred Hamilton was elected to the Montana Territorial legislature. Donald W. Davis, who preceded Akers as manager of the Fort, remained in Southern Alberta and was elected member of Parliament, serving two terms from 1887 to 1896. Dave Akers purchased the Fort and continued trading until the arrival of the railway.. Akers was shot dead in 1893 by his partner Tom Purcell because of an argument over cattle ownership. Jerry Potts was involved in treaty negotiations in 1877 with the Blackfoot and allied tribes. He died in 1896 and was buried with full military honours in the police graveyard in Fort Macleod. Commissioner Macleod commented on Potts' career...

As scout and guide, I have never met his equal he had none in neither the northwest nor in the states to the south.