Emersonis an unincorporated community recognized as alocal urban district(LUD)[1]in south centralManitoba,Canada, located within theMunicipality of Emerson – Franklin.It has a population of 678 as of the2016 Canada census.[2]
Emerson | |
|---|---|
Local urban district | |
  Emerson Location of Emerson inManitoba | |
| Coordinates:49°00′25″N97°12′53″W/ 49.00694°N 97.21472°W | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Manitoba |
| Region | Pembina Valley |
| Rural municipality | Emerson – Franklin |
| Incorporated | November 3, 1879 |
| Amalgamated | January 1, 2015 |
| Government | |
| •MLA(Borderland) | Josh Guenter(PC) |
| •MP(Provencher) | Ted Falk |
| Area | |
• Total | 22.28 km2(8.60 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 242 m (795 ft) |
| Population (2006) | |
• Total | 678 |
| • Density | 30.9/km2(80/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-6(CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5(CDT) |
| Area codes | Area codes 204 and 431 |
| Website | emersonfranklin |
Location and transportation
editEmerson is 96 kilometres south ofWinnipegalong theRed River,just north of theUnited Statesborder at the point where the province ofManitobaand states ofMinnesotaandNorth Dakotameet. Being in the far southwestern corner of municipality, the LUD shares borders with theRural Municipality of Montcalmin Manitoba,Pembina Countyin North Dakota, andKittson Countyin Minnesota. The towns ofSt. Vincent, Minnesota,andPembina, North Dakota,are just a few kilometres south of the border in the United States. The unincorporated community ofNoyes, Minnesota,lies immediately across the border from Emerson; however, the border crossing between the two is now closed.
The principal roads serving Emerson areHighway 75andProvincial Road 200,which run north to Winnipeg along either side of the Red River. As of 2020[update]Highway 75 at Emerson was being redeveloped in order to accommodate expansion of the Emerson port of entry. As part of this project, Emerson's access to Highway 75 was moved 1.2 kilometres (0.7 miles) north of the former junction (removed in 2019).[3]
Emerson port of entry
editThe border crossing at Emerson, Manitoba and Pembina, North Dakota is the fifth-busiest along theCanada–United States border,and the second-busiest west of theGreat Lakes.It is part of alarge trade corridorthat links theCanadian prairieswith the United States andMexico.Annual cross-border trade is valued at over $14 billionCAD.The ports of entry on both sides are open 24 hours and offer full border services. An estimated one million people pass through the border crossing each year.[4]
For many years, Emerson was among very few communities in Canada to have multiple border crossings. It was serviced by the current port of entry, originally designated as West Lynne, and the now-closedEmerson East port of entry opposite Noyes, Minnesota.In its original configuration, Highway 75 ended at the Emerson East crossing, the busier of the two crossings during the early and mid parts of the 20th century, where it continued south asU.S. Route 75.Travelers wishing to enterNorth Dakotaturned south onto a short road leading to the border (later designatedHighway 29) which continued into North Dakota asU.S. Route 81.The importance of the Emerson East crossing declined afterInterstate 29superseded U.S. 81 in 1957 and subsequent realignment of Highways 75 and 29 to serve the West Lynne-Pembina crossing. Dwindling use of the Emerson East port of entry prompted the Canadian government to close the border station in June 2003. The American government closed the Noyes port of entry three years later.[5]
South of Emerson, theCanadian National (CN)andCanadian Pacific (CP)Railways cross the border and are met, respectively, by theBNSF Railwayand theSoo Line Railroad(CP's main U.S. subsidiary). There are customs inspection facilities for both lines on either side of the border.
With the passage ofDonald Trump'sExecutive Order 13769in 2017, Emerson has seen a large influx of immigrants walking across the border to apply for asylum.[6]Many of them have found assistance with the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council.[7]In 2018, Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party of CanadaPablo Rodriguezbegan a series of visits to immigrant communities, warning potential border crossers that those who do not qualify for refugee status could be returned to their countries of origin rather than the United States.[8][needs update]A migrant family of four Indian nationals was found frozen to death in January 2022 on the northern side of the US-Canada border.[9]
History
edit
In 1873, American businessmenThomas Carneyand William Fairbanks, following advice from railroad entrepreneurJames J. Hill,received a grant from the province of Manitoba for 640 acres along the east side of the Red River near theCanada–United States border.Hill had advised Carney and Fairbanks that the area had significant potential to become a railway hub for the region. The existing settlement of West Lynne on the west side of the river had already established itself as a key point along the trading routes between Winnipeg andSt. Paul, Minnesota.With the emergence of railroads during this time, the addition of their own railway would bring great economic prosperity.[10][11][12]
In 1874, the two men led a group of 100 who formed the new settlement of Emerson, which was named after writer and poetRalph Waldo Emerson.With the promise that Emerson could be the new "gateway to the west", the settlement grew quickly and, by 1876, a church and a school were built.[10]
Manitoba's first railway, the Emerson Line, which ran along the east side of the Red River fromSt. Bonifaceto Emerson was completed in 1878. Soon after, the railway from St. Paul toSt. Vincent, Minnesotawas completed and the two lines were connected. The arrival of the railway to Emerson brought prosperity, and instantly elevated Emerson's status as one of Manitoba's most important settlements.[10]
Emerson was originally incorporated as a town in 1879. Over the next four years, the community experienced a boom. Its population swelled to over 10,000 and in 1883, the community absorbed the neighbouring community of West Lynne. A court house, town hall, and other large, elaborate structures were erected as businesses thrived, thanks to immigrants and travelers from the east stopping in Emerson before embarking west. To help cement its status as "gateway to the west", the town negotiated withCanadian Pacific Railwayto build a new railway west from Emerson. However, shortly after work on the line began, CPR reconsidered and the railway was never built.[10][11]
Coupled with the completion of CPR'stranscontinental railwaythrough Winnipeg, the loss of the western railway ended the prospects of Emerson being the "gateway to the west", a title that would be bestowed upon Winnipeg. Businesses relocated to Winnipeg and travelers who would previously would have come to Manitoba through Emerson were now taking the new all-Canadian CPR route to Winnipeg and then west. By 1884, only ten years after the settlement was founded, the community was bankrupt. It would take the community years to recover.[10][11]A fire destroyed the original town hall in 1917. A new town hall was built to replace it, with help from the Manitoba government. Many of the abandoned buildings were eventually destroyed byRed River floods,while others were removed to make way for the dike that was constructed around the community.
From around 1936 to 1956, Emerson obtained its power across the border from a long 2400-volt distribution circuit originating from Pembina. This line was initially operated by the Interstate Power Company and was sold to theOtter Tail Power Companyin 1944. In 1956, the town made arrangements to obtain its electrical needs fromManitoba Hydroand the cross-border distribution line was removed.
On January 1, 2015, the town and neighbouringRural Municipality of Franklinwere amalgamated bydirection of the provincial governmentto create theMunicipality of Emerson – Franklin.Following the merger, the former Town of Emerson was designated as a local urban district within the new municipality and allotted two seats on the municipal council.[13][14]
Today, Emerson has a population just under 700. The community still attracts many visitors each year who pass through the Port of Entry at Emerson. There are still some landmarks remaining from Emerson's "golden age", such as the courthouse, jail, and home of William Fairbanks, as well as the West Lynne post office and original customs house. The courthouse, which is designated as a historical landmark, is still in use today.[12]
West Lynne
edit
West Lynne was established in the early 1870s by theHudson's Bay Company,next to their North Pembina post, prior to which the company had operated a post atFort Pembinatwo miles to the south, in American territory. After losing the fort in aFenian raidin 1871, they withdrew and established the post inside Canadian territory.[15][16]
A post office, telegraph station, and customs house were soon constructed at West Lynne, making it a key point along theRed River trade routesfor both river and land traffic.[15]
After the railway to Emerson was completed in 1878, the importance of West Lynne diminished. In 1883, West Lynne and Emerson wereamalgamatedinto one municipality, retaining the name Emerson. The Canadian port of entry on the west side of the river was officially known as West Lynne to distinguish it from the Emerson East port on east side until the Canadian government closed Emerson East in 2003 to consolidate operations.
The original customs house and post office at West Lynne still stand about 200 meters from the modern facility used by theCanada Border Services Agency.
Fort Dufferin
editThe fort was located on the west side of the Red River, approximately two kilometers north of West Lynne. It was established by the Government of Canada in 1872 as a base for their contingent of the North American Boundary Commission. The commission was tasked with defining and marking the Canada-U.S. border. It later served an immigration station and police post. By 1879, the Canadian government no longer had use for the fort and sold the property.[17][18]
Fort Dufferin is best known as the starting point for theNorth-West Mounted Police's infamousMarch Westin 1874. This marked the only time the entire force was ever assembled at one place.
Today, the Fort Dufferin site is owned by the province of Manitoba. A cairn and plaque mark the historic site, which is open to the public during the summer.
Demographics
editIn the2021 Census of Populationconducted byStatistics Canada,Emerson had a population of 660 living in 294 of its 321 total private dwellings, a change of-2.7% from its 2016 population of 678. With a land area of 7.35 km2(2.84 sq mi), it had a population density of89.8/km2(232.6/sq mi) in 2021.[19]
Government
editEmerson is located at the far southwest corner of the federal riding ofProvencher,which is represented byTed Falk.At the provincial level, the community is represented byJosh Guenter,MLAfor theBorderland riding.
Community services
editThe community's education needs are served by Emerson Elementary School (Kindergarten to Grade 8) and Roseau Valley School (Grades 9–12) in nearbyDominion City.Recreational facilities include an indoor skating rink, curling rink, public golf course, swimming pool, and park. Emerson is also served by a localRCMPdetachment and volunteer fire department.
Climate
editEmerson experiences ahumid continental climate(Dfb), and aPlant Hardinessof zone 3b.[20]Along with St. Albans, Emerson holds the record for Manitoba's highest temperature of 44.4 °C (112 °F) on 12 July 1936, during the1936 North American heat wave.The coldest temperature ever recorded was −46.7 °C (−52 °F) on 9 February 1899.[21]
| Climate data for Emerson, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1877–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 11.1 (52.0) |
15.6 (60.1) |
23.3 (73.9) |
37.2 (99.0) |
41.1 (106.0) |
40.0 (104.0) |
44.4 (111.9) |
39.5 (103.1) |
38.5 (101.3) |
33.0 (91.4) |
22.2 (72.0) |
9.4 (48.9) |
44.4 (111.9) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −11.5 (11.3) |
−7.6 (18.3) |
−0.3 (31.5) |
13.4 (56.1) |
20.3 (68.5) |
23.9 (75.0) |
25.6 (78.1) |
26.0 (78.8) |
19.1 (66.4) |
11.2 (52.2) |
−1.4 (29.5) |
−8.2 (17.2) |
9.0 (48.2) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −16.3 (2.7) |
−12.6 (9.3) |
−5.2 (22.6) |
4.9 (40.8) |
13.1 (55.6) |
17.5 (63.5) |
19.5 (67.1) |
19.2 (66.6) |
12.9 (55.2) |
5.7 (42.3) |
−5.3 (22.5) |
−12.5 (9.5) |
2.6 (36.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −21.1 (−6.0) |
−17.5 (0.5) |
−10.0 (14.0) |
−1.5 (29.3) |
5.8 (42.4) |
11.1 (52.0) |
13.3 (55.9) |
12.4 (54.3) |
6.7 (44.1) |
0.2 (32.4) |
−9.3 (15.3) |
−16.8 (1.8) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −44.4 (−47.9) |
−46.7 (−52.1) |
−38.9 (−38.0) |
−26.1 (−15.0) |
−10.6 (12.9) |
−3.3 (26.1) |
1.1 (34.0) |
−1.1 (30.0) |
−12.2 (10.0) |
−21.1 (−6.0) |
−40.0 (−40.0) |
−40.6 (−41.1) |
−46.7 (−52.1) |
| Averageprecipitationmm (inches) | 26.9 (1.06) |
21.2 (0.83) |
24.7 (0.97) |
28.5 (1.12) |
58.4 (2.30) |
90.2 (3.55) |
94.1 (3.70) |
74.1 (2.92) |
57.5 (2.26) |
46.7 (1.84) |
36.7 (1.44) |
32.8 (1.29) |
591.6 (23.29) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 0.6 (0.02) |
0.7 (0.03) |
10.4 (0.41) |
20.3 (0.80) |
58.2 (2.29) |
90.2 (3.55) |
94.1 (3.70) |
74.1 (2.92) |
57.4 (2.26) |
40.4 (1.59) |
11.5 (0.45) |
3.1 (0.12) |
460.9 (18.15) |
| Average snowfall cm (inches) | 26.2 (10.3) |
20.5 (8.1) |
14.3 (5.6) |
8.9 (3.5) |
0.3 (0.1) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.0) |
6.3 (2.5) |
25.3 (10.0) |
29.7 (11.7) |
131.6 (51.8) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.2 mm) | 11.4 | 9.0 | 8.9 | 5.9 | 9.6 | 11.6 | 11.4 | 9.2 | 9.2 | 9.6 | 9.7 | 11.0 | 116.5 |
| Average rainy days(≥ 0.2 mm) | 0.5 | 0.8 | 3.7 | 5.1 | 9.5 | 11.6 | 11.4 | 9.2 | 9.2 | 8.3 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 73.3 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.2 cm) | 11.1 | 8.5 | 6.8 | 2.3 | 0.31 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.06 | 1.7 | 7.9 | 10.5 | 49.2 |
| Source:Environment Canada[21][22] | |||||||||||||
Media
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^"Local Urban Districts Regulation".Government of Manitoba. April 23, 2016.RetrievedApril 24,2016.
- ^"Census Profile, 2016 Census".Statistics Canada.RetrievedMay 23,2021.
- ^"Border Highway Redesign Displayed At Emerson Open House".PembinaValleyOnline. March 6, 2015.
- ^"Manitoba Government - Current Transportation Planning Studies".Archived fromthe originalon March 25, 2014.RetrievedAugust 27,2017.
- ^Highway 75 at Canhighways
- ^Markusoff, Jason; Macdonald, Nancy; Hutchins, Aaron; Campbell, Meagan (July 11, 2017)."Down on the border".Maclean's.RetrievedMarch 21,2018.
- ^Buncombe, Andrew (April 22, 2017)."Welcome to Emerson, the tiny Canadian border town where hundreds of refugees have fled from Trump's America".The Independent.RetrievedMarch 21,2018.
- ^Carcamo, Cindy (January 29, 2018)."Worried about Trump-stoked exodus of immigrants, Canada discourages illegal crossings".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedMarch 21,2018.
- ^"Family who died in freezing cold by US-Canada border identified".BBC News.January 27, 2022.RetrievedMarch 6,2023.
- ^abcdeEwens, Sharon (1995)."Historical Tour - Emerson: Gateway to the West".Manitoba History(30).Winnipeg, Manitoba:The Manitoba Historical Society.RetrievedAugust 22,2012.
- ^abcForrestor, Marjorie (1957)."The Rise and Fall of Emerson".Manitoba Pageant.Winnipeg, Manitoba:The Manitoba Historical Society.RetrievedAugust 22,2012.
- ^abLyon, D.M."Emerson".The Canadian Encyclopedia.Historica-Dominion. Archived fromthe originalon February 3, 2013.RetrievedAugust 22,2012.
- ^"PembinaValleyOnline".
- ^"Emerson and Franklin plan merger".thecarillon.
- ^ab"Postal History of West Lynne, Manitoba".Archived fromthe originalon April 15, 2013.RetrievedAugust 22,2012.
- ^"WinnipegREALTORS".winnipegrealestatenews.
- ^"Fort Dufferin National Historic Site of Canada".Parks Canada.RetrievedAugust 22,2012.
- ^"Dufferin: Then and Now".Manitoba History(23).Winnipeg, Manitoba:The Manitoba Historical Society. Spring 1992.RetrievedAugust 22,2012.
- ^"Population and dwelling counts: Canada and designated places".Statistics Canada.February 9, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 3,2022.
- ^"Interactive Map".usda.gov.
- ^ab"Emerson".1981–2010 Canadian Climate Normals.Environment Canada.RetrievedMay 28,2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^"Emerson Auto".Canadian Climate Data.Environment Canada.RetrievedMay 28,2016.
External links
edit
Media related toEmerson, Manitobaat Wikimedia Commons- Official website
