Magrath

Magrath is a town in Cardston County, Alberta, Canada. Its population was 2,217 in 2011. Magrath is located near the Canadian Rockies and is 32 km (20 mi) south of Lethbridge and 242 km (150 mi) south of Calgary.

History

Magrath was established in 1899 by settlers sent by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Utah and Idaho. These Mormon settlers were recruited by the Alberta Railway and Irrigation Company to construct irrigation works in the area. The settlers were paid in cash and land in the town. This was the first major irrigation work in Canada and was made possible by the settlers' experience with the extensive irrigation projects undertaken by their church in Utah and Idaho. The area's irrigation canal system supplies water to local farmers.

Magrath is named after Charles Alexander Magrath. Magrath post office was established 1 March 1900, with Ammon Mercer as first postmaster.

Demographics

The population of the Town of Magrath according to its 2013 municipal census is 2,376, a 3.2% increase over its 2010 municipal census population of 2,302.

Magrath (disambiguation)

Magrath is a town in Cardston County, Alberta, Canada.

See also

Magrath (surname)

Magrath is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: