History of the Ross Family Property

Map of Red River Settlement, 1818 - "Colony Gardens" is indicated on the map, but Alexander and Sarah's home was not yet built.

In 1825, Alexander Ross retired from managing the Hudson Bay Company's Fort Okanagan to the Red River Settlement. Here, Ross was given a 100-acre river lot, a narrow strip of land that went from William Ave to Pacific Ave, and stretched from the Red River to McPhillips St. The Ross property was just south of Fort Douglas, which operated/stood until 1835.

​In 1826, the construction of "Colony Gardens", Alexander and Sarah's home was completed. Colony Gardens was located at the foot of Rupert Avenue, with a modern street address between 25 Amy St and 110 Pacific Ave. Their son William was given the strip of  land between William Ave and Elgin or James Ave, and he and his wife Jemima built their home at what is now 90 Market Ave. ​The northern section of the Ross property, from Elgin Ave to Pacific Ave was inherited by James Ross. 

"Colony Gardens" can be seen on maps dating back to 1818, but this is not Alexander and Sarah's home. The name may have referred to an area adjacent to Fort Douglas, although we are not sure of its purpose. Alexander may have used the name of an existing landmark for his home.

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Colony Gardens stood until 1885, when it was demolished shortly following Sarah Ross's death.

Drawing of Main St with building identification, 1870

"Location and Identity of Buildings in Village of Winnipeg, 1872", Manitoba Free Press, 1922