This monument, located near the Alexander Docks, was erected in 1993. It depicts a stylized Scots thistle, the floral emblem of Scotland since ancient times. It is dedicated to Thomas Douglas, Fifth Earl of Selkirk, and marks the historical origins of Manitoba as a European settled territory. It was donated to the City of Winnipeg through the donations of members, corporations and friends of the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg trust fund.
Behind the monument is a plaque containing the text of a poem describing the departure of the Scottish settlers on their journal to Canada, a copy of an original in Scotland. This monument was unveiled by Rev. Hugh Wyllie, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on 19 June 1992. It commemorates the 175th anniversary of the arrival on the Red River of Thomas Douglas, Fifth Earl of Selkirk and his settlers. The first group arrived here in 1812.
Scots Monument (May 2017)
Source: George Penner
Scots Monument (March 2020)
Source: Rose Kuzina
“Cairn of Tears” plaque (2010)
Source: City of WinnipegSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90053, W97.12970
denoted by symbol on the map above
Information for this page was provided by The City of Winnipeg’s Planning, Property and Development Department, which acknowledges the contribution of the Government of Manitoba through its Heritage Grants Program.
We thank Peter McLure, Rose Kuzina, and George Penner for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 21 May 2023
Historic Sites of Manitoba
This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.
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