The Rural Municipality of Archie is located in south western Manitoba approximately 112 kilometres northwest of Brandon. It lies adjacent to the Saskatchewan border to the west, the R.M. of Ellice to the north, the R.M. of Miniota to the east and the R.M. of Wallace to the south. The municipality is comprised of six separate townships and has an area of approximately 345.5 square kilometres. The municipality's largest centre is the community of McAuley. The other settlement of note is the community of Manson. As of the 2002 census, the municipality listed its total population at 378. The Assiniboine River flows through the southeasterly corner of the municipality creating a deep u-shaped valley, which provides a refuge for wildlife. Access to the municipality is along Provincial Trunk Highway 41, which crosses the municipality from south to north. A number of other provincial roads crisscross the municipality, including Highways 467, 565, 256, 591 and 605.
History
Archie was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1883. The community of McAuley started attracting settlers as early as 1881, but did not get its name until 1906, after the postmaster George McAuley. The Village of Manson was not settled until 1903 when the railway was built through that point. The municipality has played a significant role in the settlement of south western Manitoba. Archaeological, architectural and historic sites include rural schools, churches, post offices and country stores.
Economic Base
Primarily farmland, the municipality is also characterized for its native trees and shrubs such as poplar and willow which are especially abundant in the valley. The major agricultural activities include beef cattle production, pork production, wheat, grain and oilseed production. The Assinibone River also provides good fishery habitat for species such as Walleye and Pickerel. The valley area also offers a habitat for wildlife, especially deer. Quarries for sand and gravel have been developed at various locations in the municipality, and are used for local building materials and for road construction in the area.
