CANADA HISTORY - Places-Homes

Ross House

Ross House, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, stands as an enduring reminder of early Métis life in the province and holds the distinction of being the first post office in Western Canada. The house, constructed from oak timber, served as both a family residence and a vital community hub for the Métis in the mid-19th century. It was home to the Ross family, whose patriarch, William Ross, was an important figure in the Red River Settlement and became the first postmaster of the western region. Today, Ross House is one of the few surviving examples of Métis architecture from this period, and its preservation has been a testament to the efforts of the Manitoba Historical Society, which saved it from destruction in 1949. Now located in Joe Zuken Heritage Park, the house serves as a museum and historical site, showcasing authentic artifacts from the Métis period and offering a glimpse into the cultural and political life of the Red River Settlement.

The Origins of Ross House and its Role in Métis Life

Ross House was built in 1854 for William Ross and his family. William Ross was the son of Alexander Ross, a Scottish fur trader, and Sarah "Sally" McLeod, a Métis woman. The Ross family was well-known in the Red River Settlement, with Alexander Ross serving as a prominent leader, fur trader, and historian. William followed in his father's footsteps, playing a key role in the growing Métis community.

At the time, the Red River Settlement was a vital center for the Métis people, whose unique culture blended Indigenous and European traditions. The settlement was primarily located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers and was made up of Métis farmers, traders, and craftspeople. The community’s homes, like Ross House, were constructed using locally available materials and reflected a blend of European building techniques and Indigenous knowledge of the land.

Ross House itself was built of oak timber in the traditional Red River frame style, a construction method that used squared timbers joined with dovetail joints. This style was common among Métis homes of the period and was well-suited to the local environment, providing insulation against Manitoba’s cold winters and strength against the region’s winds. The house not only served as a family residence but also functioned as the first post office in Western Canada, marking its importance as a key administrative center for the growing community.

Political and Social Context: The Red River Settlement and the Métis People The mid-19th century was a period of growth and political change in the Red River Settlement. The settlement, located in what was then Rupert’s Land, was governed by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), which had control over vast tracts of land in the region. The Métis, who had developed their own distinct culture and economy, were becoming increasingly influential in the Red River area, particularly in the fur trade.

However, the Métis faced growing pressures as European settlers began to move into the region, and the Canadian government expressed interest in acquiring Rupert’s Land from the HBC. This growing tension eventually culminated in the Red River Resistance of 1869-70, led by Louis Riel, a Métis political leader. Riel and his supporters sought to protect Métis land rights and cultural identity in the face of Canadian expansion. Though the resistance ultimately led to the creation of the province of Manitoba, it also marked the beginning of a long struggle for the recognition of Métis rights in Canada.

During this period, Ross House was a center of Métis life, both socially and politically. William Ross served as the first postmaster for the region, and his home was a gathering place for the local community. The establishment of a post office at Ross House was a significant development, as it connected the Red River Settlement to the wider world, facilitating communication with other parts of Canada and beyond. This connection helped the Métis maintain their cultural and economic ties even as the political landscape around them shifted.

The Preservation of Ross House

By the early 20th century, as Winnipeg grew and urban development expanded, Ross House faced the threat of demolition. In 1949, the Manitoba Historical Society (MHS) intervened to save the house, recognizing its historical and cultural significance as one of the last remaining examples of early Métis architecture in the province. The MHS’s efforts were part of a broader movement to preserve Manitoba’s heritage, and they ensured that Ross House would not be lost to history.

After its initial rescue, the house underwent several relocations. It was moved first to Higgins Avenue and later to its current location in Joe Zuken Heritage Park, where it has been carefully preserved and maintained. The MHS’s ongoing efforts to protect and restore Ross House have made it one of Manitoba’s most important historical sites, and it continues to serve as a symbol of the Métis contribution to the province’s development.

The House as a Museum and Historical Site

Today, Ross House is operated as a museum, allowing visitors to explore the history of the Métis people and their role in the Red River Settlement. The house has been restored to reflect the style of the 1850s, with many of its original features still intact. Inside, visitors can see period furnishings, artifacts, and other items that reflect the daily life of the Métis during this period. Many of the items on display are authentic artifacts from the Métis era, providing a direct connection to the people who lived in the Red River Settlement over 150 years ago.

The museum also highlights the significance of the house as the first post office in Western Canada. Exhibits explore the role of the postal service in connecting the Red River Settlement to other parts of Canada and the world, and how this communication helped shape the political and social life of the community.

Ross House is an essential resource for understanding the early history of Manitoba and the Métis people. Its preservation offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of the Métis as it was in the mid-19th century. The house’s architecture, artifacts, and historical context make it a valuable educational tool, helping visitors understand the complexities of Métis culture, their land rights, and their struggle for recognition in a rapidly changing world.

Ross House stands as one of the few surviving examples of early Métis homes in Manitoba, offering a tangible link to the history of the Red River Settlement and the Métis people. Built in 1854 for the Ross family, the house served as both a family residence and the first post office in Western Canada, marking its importance in the development of the region. Thanks to the vigilance of the Manitoba Historical Society, the house was saved from demolition in 1949 and has been preserved as a museum and National Historic Site. Today, Ross House continues to educate visitors about the Métis way of life, the political and social context of the Red River Settlement, and the enduring legacy of the Métis in Manitoba. Its preservation is a testament to the importance of protecting Canada’s cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate the contributions of the Métis people to the development of the nation.