Cartwright was first built along the Boundary Commission/NWMP Trail, at the "stopping place" along Badger Creek. In 1885, when the CPR railway laid track a few miles south, the town and most of its citizens moved and established the permanent community. The village as it sits, was incorporated in 1948 and has a current population of 329 people. The village is named after a prominent local citizen, Sir Richard Cartwright, who owned land in the area.
History
The Village of Cartwright is located in the prime agricultural area of southwestern Manitoba. Lying at the junction of Highway 3 and 5, Cartwright is only 10 kilometres from the United States border and the State of North Dakota. It is a small community with a rural flavor, a place where everyone is a friend and anyone will lend a hand. The tight knit community welcomes visitors and newcomers alike.
Economic Base
The land surrounding Cartwright is based in primarily mixed grains agriculture and livestock production. The village has become a service centre for the Rural Municipality of Roblin and outlying areas.
Retail shops in Cartwright sell groceries, hardware, lumber, clothing, gifts and flowers. Other services include a national bank, local Credit Union, a local weakly newspaper, and a Canada Post outlet.
Major Attractions
Local recreation activities include Cartwright Centennial Heritage Park, complete with campground and picnic areas, baseball diamonds, and a play structure for the kids.
Badger Creek Park offers swimming in the cool water on those "dog days" of summer. Cartwright's Ponderosa Days Fair, held the August long weekend is an opportunity for local residents and travelers to get together and enjoy the festivities.
The Lakeland Regional Library on North Railway has an extensive collection of books and other material for use by area students and residents.
Other Information
Other attractions in the Cartwright area feature a museum centered around a functioning blacksmith's shop. The Badger Creek Museum and the Schoolhouse Museum feature exhibits displaying the culture and the history of the local area, complete with authentic artifacts supplied by local residents.
