The operation of the old government telegraph line, which runs from Fort Qu'Appelle to Edmonton, was discontinued on the 31st of March.

With the order from Ottawa closing the line from further service, one of the oldest landmarks of the west passes into history.

The construction of the line was commenced in 1874, when the buffalo roamed the prairies in freedom and the Indian lived undisturbed on the broad slopes of the Saskatchewan. Its construction gave communication between the then great lone land of the west and civilization.

Middleton Camped At Station
The Humboldt Station on the government telegraph line is situated about 7 miles southwest of the present town of Humboldt. During the rebellion of 1885 General Middleton, who was in command of the Canadian Troops, camped at Humboldt station on his march to Batoche.

A fort was constructed about three miles northwest of where the present station now stands. The fort has since been destroyed, the last of it being torn down in 1903.

The development of the country during those recent years had gradually done away with its usefulness, as practically every part of the west is now served by telegraph companies in connection with the railways.

The old Humboldt telegraph station has been one of the chief places of interest to newcomers to the district and the same may be said of the other stations on the line. Its historic origin, and the many interesting associations connected with it, will always make the site a place of interest.

Soon only the site will remain to mark the spot of the station. Tenders are now being invited for the purchase of the building, and it will be removed from its present location.