Over the years, nestled in the foothills approximately thirty miles west of Calgary, Bragg Creek has developed into a “want to live there area”. In the hamlet area and the town of Redwood Meadows exist prime properties and then there are two acre and larger subdivisions in the surrounding vicinity. Bragg Creek has excellent access to the mountain parks, Banff and a rural lifestyle south of the area. Bordering Kananaskis, the extraordinary scenic surroundings offer hiking, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, fishing and off road activities. The Wintergreen Resort and the Redwood meadows Golf Course are here. A full range of amenities including excellent restaurants and shops attract visitors looking for a friendly alternative to Banff/Canmore. Situated on the Elbow River, Bragg Creek is a popular destination spot. The area residents are virtually self-sufficient with excellent school access to Banded Peak and Springbank. Estimated population in an eight-kilometer radius including Redwood Meadows is approximately 4,000 people.
Albert Warren Bragg, the first settler on land that became the Bob Fullerton ranch, founded Bragg Creek in 1894. When the original land survey was taking place at that time, the surveyors met Bragg who had begun a cattle ranching operation, and they named the nearby “creek”, Bragg Creek. On May 1, 1910, the first post office was established just west of the Bragg Homestead. Mail was brought from the Jumping Pound post office by packhorse. In 1918 the Bragg Creek post office was moved to existing hamlet area. The earliest youth hostel in Canada was established here in 1933.
As “new-old-timers” (including myself) began to settle in Bragg Creek in the 1960’s, we were well aware of the beauty and the lifestyle inherent in the area. Sitting around campfires and enjoying our newly found heaven, we sang a song composed by a well-known area resident, Ursula Beckedorf.
The rolling prairie, the endless sky
and to the west the mountains high,
Now in the foothills around Bragg Creek,
We found a little bit of paradise
That we will always keep!
(From The Bragg Creek Song – circa 1966)