“Towards the end of the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th century, settlers from the United States, the eastern provinces of Canada and even Europe, started to work their way westward to eventually take homesteads in the region now known as Legal. Among the earliest settlers were Theodore Gelot and Eugene Menard. Both of these gentlemen came from France via California searching for homesteads.In 1894, they started homesteading in the Legal area. Soon many others, the majority coming from the province of Québec, were attracted by the rich fertile soil found in the area and a small community was formed.
L'abbe Morin had been chosen as colonizer for the west and his task was to recruit settlers from Québec. In 1889, the pioneers went ahead with plans to build their first chapel. By 1911-1912 with the completion of the C.N. Railway, plans were made to build a church. A small community was rapidly growing and from this small community the Village of Legal was soon to come about. Through the years Legal has continued to lay its claim on being a progressive and friendly community rich in historical culture.
On January 1st, 1998 Legal achieved "Town" status. Official bilingual status was proclaimed in April 1st, 2000. The Town Of Legal has been federally proclaimed as "The National Capital of French Murals".” (Taken from The Town of Legal “http://www.legal.ca/pages/history.html”)
Places
Legal School
5122 - 46 Street
Box 120 Legal
T0G 1L0
P: (780) 961-3791
F: (780) 961-2223
Historic French Murals
Murals are displayed throughout the town. Contact Centralta Tourism Society for a tour.
ACFA Centralta:
P: 780-961-3665
Provincial Archives of Alberta
8555 Roper Road
Edmonton AB T6E 5W1
780-427-1056
Other
Centralta Tourism Society
Find Francophone history in Alberta.
Francophone Corridor St. Albert-Morinville-Legal
P: 780-460-1034
Family and Community Twining Society
Legal Heritage Resources
Alberta Community Profiles
Profiles of communities in Alberta.
