Naming the West : Stories High River Trails

High River Student Story 3:
Macleod Trail

We interviewed Mr. Bill Dunn for the story. This is what he told us about Macleod Trail. The trail started in 1874 as a wagon trail. Macleod Trail is named after Colonel Macleod, who also built a fort in 1874.

Colonel Macleod was born in Isle of Skye, Scotland in 1830 and died in 1894. He was also a soldier. Colonel Macleod was important because he was a leader, had respect from all his men and hired Jerry Potts as a guide from fort Benton to Fort Macleod, which saved many men’s lives.

The first building on Macleod was Fort Macleod. The first building on Macleod Trail in High River was the stopping place where people could stop for food, water, and shelter.