Morris, Manitoba
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Morris ( ) or "Mo-Town" is a small town of about 1700 people in the Pembina Valley region of Manitoba, Canada, located about 50 km south of Winnipeg and 50 km north of Emerson. Morris is host to the annual Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition. Highway 75 which turns in to Interstate 29 is the major highway which runs from Winnipeg to Mexico. Morris is the only town in which Highway 75 is called Main Street. Morris is also home of the Pembina Valley Twisters hockey club. (MMJHL) To see video's of the Pembina Valley Twisters, click here!
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[edit] Community History
The town of Morris was named after Alexander Morris, which was the second Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. The town has a very long history involving floods and beaver pelt companies.
Fur traders started to settle in the Morris area in the late 1700's because of its strategic location along the Red River. By 1801, there were two fur-trading stations at the settlement. Barges came up and down the Red River, and the Red River Ox Carts that traveled between Fort Garry and the Pembina Settlement went right through Morris, and offered many opportunities for trade. By 1869, the ox carts began to carry settlers to the areas around the Scratching River (now the Morris River) and the population began to grow. The town was officially incorporated in 1883.
Morris lies in the middle of the Red River Valley. The shallow valley spreads for many kilometers to the east and west, but only rises a few meters at most. The land is remarkably flat. Repeated flooding in the past has left the valley floor covered in rich river silt. The fine black soils are some of the best producing agricultural soils in the world. The Red River Valley is part of the remnants of the prehistoric "Lake Agassiz", which was once much larger than Lake Superior, which is the biggest of the five Great Lakes.
[edit] Location and Transportation
The location of Morris is quite a good one. It's right along the 75 Highway, which is the main port for Manitobans to get into the U.S.. Morris is also served by PTH 23, running east and west, providing access to much of southern Manitoba. Morris is also served by two railroad companies. The first is the Canadian National Railway whose line runs north/south from Winnipeg to the Canadian/U.S. border. The second is the Southern Manitoba Railway which runs west from Morris for 80 miles. The Southern Manitoba Railway is currently being demolished, due to non-use.
[edit] Economy
The economy of Morris is based on agriculture. Much of this can be easily said by the community's location in this fertile agricultural region. The Town of Morris is a major service provider to the surrounding agricultural community. Morris is currently in a state of growth and development, and many opportunities exist for new business. The business community provides strong support for future trade based on its prime location along the Mid-Continent Trade Corridor. Easy access to markets in Canada, the United States and Mexico, make Morris an ideal place to locate a business. Currently, businesses and manufacturers in Morris produce and supply a variety of goods to both national and international markets.
[edit] Major Attractions
The Town of Morris holds a variety of annual events, which bring countless visitors to the community each year. Each July, the Valley Agricultural Society hosts the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition, known as the Big "M". For four days, thousands of spectators and participants from across North America come to watch the competition. The Fair and Exhibition offers something for everyone. One of the largest dairy shows in the province, light and heavy horse shows, school work and home-craft competitions, commercial and craft displays, Loule's famous petting zoo, midway rides, free family entertainment, indoor cabaret Friday and Saturday evening featuring top country bands, community Church service and the poplar kids pedal tractorpull on Sunday. The Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition is the largest professional rodeo east of Calgary, Alberta. The Valley Agricultural Society, formed in 1895 was originally established as agriculture fair. This fair was combined with a professional rodeo in 1964 to become an annual event anticipated by many. A "tip of the hat" to the many dedicated volunteers who over the years have maintained loyalty to the organization. It is through their efforts and the support of sponsors that the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition continues to be successful.
[edit] External links
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