by Rebecca Porteous
James J. Hill, the director of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882, named the town of Carberry after “Carberry Hall” in Musselburgh, Scotland. The community’s settlers knew very quickly that the soil would be good for crops, and the area has enjoyed successful agriculture ever since.
Carberry is known as “King Spud Country” because some of the highest quality potatoes come from the local farmers in the area. In addition, Carberry’s McCain factory makes potato products that are a major supplier for McDonald’s restaurants across Canada.
Ursula Boles, married to Harry Boles (above), bore the first European child in the Carberry Plains area. They named him James Albinas.
Ernest Thompson Seton, an internationally-renowned artist and naturalist, had a keen interest in wildlife, nature, and science. He is perhaps Carberry’s most famous former resident. The Seton Center is a Carberry museum displaying many of Seton’s works of art and publications.
Seton wrote and illustrated dozens of books based on animals in nature and was an original founder of the Boy Scouts. From 1882 to 1885, Seton spent his days in the Carberry Sandhills as it was an ideal location for someone interested in the outdoors. His stories and art continue to inspire individuals to be in touch with nature and preserve prairie habitats.