The first explorers arrived in the late 1600's, discovering a mixed race of aboriginals.

With the arrival of the fur trader accompanied by an exchange of goods and services, also came a new way of doing everything.

With the mighty Hudson Bay Company's arrival came establishment of hundreds of trading posts scattered along the banks of the Swan and Assiniboine rivers.

Fort Pelly was established in 1821 by the Hudson Bay Company.

The need for law and order in the region prompted the Canadian Government in Ottawa to create a para-military force named the North-West Mounted Police.

By an Act of Parliament under the leadership of Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald, this force, modeled after the Royal Irish Constabulary, was sent west.

The location of this first barracks was northwest of the present day Village of Pelly. The barracks was officially identified as the "Swan River Barracks".

An act of Parliament of Canada, passed at the session of 1875, designated the site as the First Seat of Government for the entire territories.

The name Fort Livingstone was given to the site in honour of explorer David Livingstone.