The first agricultural settlers in the Peace River Country were unique in that they traveled to the region in such large numbers with all the equipment and supplies needed to start a farm, and they did so without the benefit of a railway. Instead, they undertook a 400-600km trek northwest from Edmonton over primitive trails that often took over a month to traverse. In the spring of 1909, a railway had seemed an immediate certainty, yet neither the Canadian Northern nor the Grand Trunk Pacific chose to follow through on their much publicized intent to intersect the Pine Pass. Not until the spring of 1916 would the Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia Railway finally reach Grande Prairie, and its counterpart, the Canada Central, Peace River. In the meantime, the open parklands of the Peace River Country were essentially "settled" by farmers. (See Appendix---). By understanding the settlement patterns of these people at this time, greater understanding can be achieved about northern Alberta overall, and also the process of Crown land disposition in early twentieth century Alberta. Furthermore, many people will be able to access personal information on their ancestors they might not have known about. Likewise, anyone interested in a particular quarter-section of land on which a claim was made prior to 1915 will be able to discover information on all individuals who had filed for it.

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