Rich in History, Rooted in Family
Rich in Heritage - Gibbons is named after one of the most energetic, determined pioneers to ever settle in this area. In April of 1892, William Reynolds Gibbons decided it was time for himself, his wife and his three young sons to head west from their home in Orillia, Ontario. Loading the family possessions into a box car, they left Orillia by train, to arrive in Calgary on May 12, 1892. Being adventurous, the Gibbons' decided to continue their journey north to Edmonton. They boarded the very first train to travel from Calgary to Edmonton. However construction of the railroad was not fully complete and the Gibbons' along with other passengers, assisted the railroad crew in laying the last ties and rails, enabling the train to reach the new Edmonton platform. The Gibbons' bought property and built their first home on a parcel of land which is now the site of the Gibbons Municipal Office.