In the official Canadian citizenship study guide, Discover Canada, few figures are described with as much reverence as Major-General Sir Sam Steele. Often referred to as a “great frontier hero,” Steele’s life was a whirlwind of epic adventures that shaped the Canadian West and the North. As a Mounted Policeman and a soldier of the Queen, he personified the courage and order that defined the early days of the Dominion of Canada.
Who Was Sir Sam Steele?
Samuel Benfield Steele was born in 1848 in Upper Canada (modern-day Ontario). Born into a family with a deep military tradition, he was destined for a life of service. By the time he passed away in 1919, he had participated in nearly every major conflict and expedition that forged Canada into a tri-coastal nation.
Steele was known for his immense physical strength—contemporaries often remarked that he could do the work of two men. This stamina allowed him to survive the brutal conditions of the Canadian wilderness, from the sweltering prairies to the frozen mountain passes of the Yukon.
A Founding Member of the Mounties
In 1873, the Canadian government created the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) to establish law and order in the newly acquired Western territories. Sir Sam Steele was the third officer sworn into the force.
The March West
In 1874, Steele took part in the legendary “March West.” This 1,200-mile journey on horseback across the prairies was intended to drive out illegal whiskey traders and establish a peaceful relationship with Indigenous peoples. Steele was responsible for drilling the recruits and breaking in the horses, ensuring the force remained disciplined under extreme hardship.
Maintaining Peace During the Railway Construction
As the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) pushed toward the Pacific, Steele was tasked with policing the construction camps. He famously maintained order among thousands of laborers, enforcing prohibition and settling disputes with a reputation for being a “fearless dispenser of justice.”
The Klondike Gold Rush: Law in the Frozen North
Perhaps Steele’s most famous achievement was his leadership during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. While the American side of the border was often lawless and violent, Steele ensured that the Canadian Yukon remained orderly.
Steele established NWMP posts at the summits of the Chilkoot and White Passes. He famously required every prospector to carry a “ton of goods” (one year’s worth of food) before entering Canada, a rule that saved thousands from starvation during the harsh winter.
His strict but fair administration made the NWMP world-famous. Under his command, Dawson City—once a chaotic tent city of 14,000—became a place where “a man could leave his gold on the sidewalk and find it there the next morning.”
A Soldier of the Queen: The Boer War and WWI
Steele’s service extended far beyond Canada’s borders. He was a quintessential “soldier of the Queen,” serving the British Empire in several global conflicts.
- The Boer War: In 1900, Steele led a regiment of Canadian frontier horsemen known as Lord Strathcona’s Horse. His leadership in South Africa earned him international acclaim and the respect of military leaders like Lord Baden-Powell.
- The First World War: Despite being in his 60s when the Great War broke out in 1914, Steele was promoted to Major-General. He spent the war in England, supervising the training of Canadian troops before they were sent to the front lines in France and Belgium.
Why Sir Sam Steele Matters for the Citizenship Test
If you are studying for your Canadian citizenship, you should remember that Sir Sam Steele represents the Peace, Order, and Good Government that the North-West Mounted Police brought to the West.
Conclusion: Canada’s Greatest Policeman
Sir Sam Steele was more than just a soldier; he was a builder of the Canadian nation. His commitment to duty and his ability to bring order to the most chaotic frontiers helped ensure that Western Canada developed as a peaceful and lawful society. Today, Mount Steele in the Yukon stands as a permanent monument to his towering legacy.
Key Facts for Your Study Guide
- The NWMP: Steele was one of the first officers of the North-West Mounted Police (founded in 1873).
- The Klondike: He led the police during the 1898 Gold Rush, preventing lawlessness and starvation.
- Lord Strathcona’s Horse: He commanded this famous Canadian cavalry regiment during the Boer War.
- Frontier Hero: He is officially recognized as a symbol of Canadian bravery and frontier justice.
- Global Service: He served in the Fenian Raids, the Red River Resistance, the North-West Rebellion, the Boer War, and WWI.
Test Your Knowledge: Sir Sam Steele
Ready to see if you’ve mastered the facts for your citizenship exam? Try these practice questions based on the official study guide.