| Stirling Agricultural Village | |
| Area: | 2.64km2 |
| Elevation: | 935m (3,068feet) |
| Beginning Label: | Established |
| Beginning Date: | 1899 |
| Built: | 1899 |
| Architect: | Theodore Brandley |
| Architecture: | -Plat of Zion -Victorian |
| Governing Body: | Stirling - Village Council |
| Designation1: | National Historic Site of Canada |
| Designation1 Date: | 1997 |
| Type: | Settlement |
| Etymology: | John A. Stirling |
| Founder: | -Theodore Brandley -LDS Church |
| Events: | Stirling Settler Days |
| Website: | Village of Stirling |
Stirling Agricultural Village was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada on June 22, 1989.[1] The site was designated as a national historical site of Canada because it is the best surviving example of a Mormon agricultural village. The Michelsen Farmstead was the focus of the community, and is now a totally restored museum, listed as a Provincial Historic Site in 2001.[2] The Galt Historic Railway Park is another popular museum located in this historic site.
Stirling was founded on May 5, 1899, by Theodore Brandley. The village was one of two communities that owed its existence to a partnership between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Charles A. Magrath of the North Western Coal and Navigation Company.[3] Stirling was named after John A. Stirling, managing director of The Trusts, Executors and Securities Corporation of London, which owned shares in the Alberta Coal and Railway Company.
After arriving at the Stirling siding, Theodore Brandley quickly started planning the lay-out of the village. The townsite was made up of one square mile (640 acres), then divided into lots of 10acres; each with a surveyed road around the entire area with a lane running north and south, dividing it into two parcels. The parcels were then again divided, east and west, making four lots, each 2.5acres, giving the residents room to build homes, barns and shelters for animals, with large gardens. Theodore planned the townsite after the Plat of Zion,[4] which Stirling still follows today, and is recognized as the most well-preserved, Canadian example of the Plat of Zion. For this reason, Stirling is known as Stirling Agricultural Village[5]
See also: List of attractions and landmarks in Stirling, Alberta. On the east entrance of Main Street is a newly built Information Kiosk made to replicate that of an older Victorian style Pioneer home found throughout Stirling and area. In the kiosk are historical markers and a map that shows many sites of interest throughout the National Historic Site of Stirling.[6]
The Lost Frontier Mini-Railway[10] is a small train park open by booking from May to October and is a very popular local attraction. Located on the grounds of the William T. Ogden Home, the park also has a petting zoo.