Expanding the Canadian Border on this date 1890

FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2021-91 DAILY FEATURE:

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (May 12, 2021) – In Issue 2021-91 of Steve Kovacs Fun with Maps, we learn of an expansion in Canada 130 years ago today

Manitoba

The Canadian prairie Province of Manitoba joined the Canadian Confederation in July 1890 as the fifth member.  This was preceded by negotiations between representatives of Manitoba and the Canadian government starting on this day in 1890.

Manitoba was much smaller in size at its inception, and assumed its current borders in 1912, mostly absorbing land from the Northwest Territories.   Manitoba’s area today is nearly that of Texas, and its 1.3 million population approaches that of Maine.

On a separate note, Canada continues to evolve in its internal alignment and borders.  The latest being Yukon Territory being renamed to Yukon in 2003.   And the last border change occurred in 1999 when the northeastern portion of the Northwest Territory became the newly formed Nunavut Territory.

Here is a map of Canada from 1898 by Rand McNally Co. showing a small Manitoba.  The map calls the country British America; however, it was also commonly called in the late 19th century as British North America and Canadian Confederation.   

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.