The history of Cartwright Manitoba stretches back more than a century and is closely connected to prairie settlement, agriculture, transportation and the development of southern Manitoba.
Today, Cartwright is part of the Municipality of Cartwright-Roblin, but the community has its own distinct history dating back to the late 1800s. Its story includes an earlier settlement known as Badger Creek, the arrival of the railway, the relocation of the community and the preservation of historic buildings that help tell the story of early life in the area. Province of Manitoba
The Early History of Cartwright
The community was originally known as Badger Creek and was located approximately one mile north of where Cartwright stands today.
The name Cartwright was associated with Sir Richard Cartwright, a Canadian politician who served as federal Minister of Finance from 1873 to 1878. Manitoba government historical research notes that Cartwright owned the townsite and that the community eventually took his name. Province of Manitoba
The local post office opened in 1882, helping establish the community as a recognized settlement in the region. Province of Manitoba
The Railway Changes Cartwright
One of the most important developments in Cartwright MB history was the arrival of the railway.
As the Canadian Pacific Railway expanded across Manitoba during the 1880s, communities were increasingly connected to larger markets and transportation networks.
Cartwright was moved to its present location so the community could be situated along the new railway line. Travel Manitoba identifies 1885 as the year Cartwright was moved to its current location, while Manitoba government historical research places the railway’s arrival and the community’s move within the 1883–1885 period. Travel Manitoba
The railway was particularly important to rural communities because it provided a practical way to transport agricultural products, supplies and people. For a prairie settlement surrounded by farmland, access to transportation could have a major influence on its future development.
Cartwright and the Prairie Community
Agriculture became an important part of the community’s development as settlers established farms throughout the surrounding area.
Cartwright grew as a rural service centre for the surrounding agricultural region. Businesses, schools, churches and other community institutions developed alongside the settlement.
The community’s location at the intersection of Highways 3 and 5 continues to connect Cartwright with surrounding communities and makes it an important reference point within the Cartwright-Roblin area. Travel Manitoba
The Cartwright Telephone Exchange
One fascinating piece of Cartwright Manitoba heritage can be found at what is now the Badger Creek Museum.
Manitoba’s Historic Resources Branch identifies the former Manitoba Telephone System Building at 350 Broadway Avenue in Cartwright as a municipal heritage site.
A private telephone system was operating in Cartwright as early as 1903. The Manitoba Telephone System acquired the local operation in 1906. After the original building was destroyed by fire in September 1929, a replacement building was constructed and officially opened on December 13, 1929.
The exchange eventually served 129 telephone subscribers. Operator-assisted service continued until 1972, when rotary dial telephone service was introduced. The building later became the Badger Creek Museum, opening in 1975 and displaying artifacts connected with the pioneer and settlement era of Cartwright. Province of Manitoba
This is a great example of how an ordinary community building can become an important piece of local history.
Heritage Park and Cartwright’s History
Today, visitors can explore aspects of Cartwright Manitoba history through Heritage Park and its collection of historic buildings and museums.
The Municipality of Cartwright-Roblin describes Heritage Park as home to a heritage museum along with recreational facilities, while Travel Manitoba’s information about the Cartwright-Roblin self-guided tour highlights historical points of interest throughout the area. Cartwright-Roblin
The historic attractions help preserve stories about the people, businesses, technology and everyday life that helped shape the community.
The Clay Banks and Earlier History
Cartwright’s history also extends beyond the period of European settlement.
The Clay Banks are an important local landmark, and Travel Manitoba notes that the area was used in the early days as a buffalo drop. The site provides an opportunity to consider the much longer human history of the region before the development of the modern community. Travel Manitoba
This makes the Cartwright area interesting from both a settlement-history and natural-history perspective.
Cartwright-Roblin Today
The modern Cartwright-Roblin history took another important turn on January 1, 2015, when the former Rural Municipality of Roblin and the Village of Cartwright were amalgamated to create the Municipality of Cartwright-Roblin. The amalgamation was part of Manitoba’s broader municipal restructuring requirements. Cartwright-Roblin
Today, the municipality continues to provide services to Cartwright and the surrounding rural area.
Although Cartwright has changed considerably since its early settlement days, many reminders of its past remain visible through its museums, heritage buildings, historic sites and community landmarks.
Explore More Cartwright Manitoba Heritage
The history of Cartwright is best experienced by looking beyond dates and names.
The railway, early businesses, telephone exchange, schools, agricultural development and historic buildings all played a role in creating the community that exists today.
As part of our Life in Cartwright section, we will continue exploring the people, places and stories that make Cartwright, Manitoba unique.
You can also explore:
Living in Cartwright Manitoba
Learn more about community life, families, schools, recreation and what it is like to live in Cartwright.
Cartwright Manitoba Attractions
Discover museums, heritage sites, outdoor activities and other places to visit.
Cartwright School Manitoba
Learn about the local school and the Cartwright Cougars.