Your ancestors saw a flood that changed everything
Morning from the Interlake — here's what's happening in Selkirk today.
You know, we talk about the Red River a lot here in Selkirk. We live by it, fish in it, watch it rise every spring. But there's a story making the rounds about a flood, way back in 1826, that was so massive, it apparently wiped out the entire Red River Settlement. Historians are calling it a "once-in-a-millennium" event, the biggest one in recorded history. Thinking about that kind of water, enough to devastate a whole colony, it puts our modern flood fights into a whole new perspective.
This isn't just some old tale; it's a reminder of how powerful this river can be. We've built our city, our Gerdau steel mill, and our homes along these banks since long before Winnipeg was even a thought. My kokum used to tell stories about the river changing its path, carving out new land, and taking some away. The idea that a flood could be so big it literally just *wrecked* everything, it gives you a chill. It makes you think about our own dykes and our own preparedness.
* **Understanding Our Past:** This story helps us understand the immense challenges our ancestors faced in building a life here. * **Respect for the River:** It’s a powerful reminder of the Red River's potential, especially for those of us who live by it and rely on it. * **Selkirk's Resilience:** It shows how resilient the people of this area have always been, rebuilding after such a catastrophic event.
When you're down by the Marine Museum or walking along Selkirk Park, looking out at the water, it's hard to imagine it at that scale. But it’s a part of our history, a part of what shaped the land and the people who settled it. It’s a story that tells you why we watch the ice break up so closely every spring.
Nolan Chicken, MiTL Sports Desk Selkirk
You know, Keith and the crew dive into stories like this every morning — catch it live at mornings.live.