Stirling Agricultural Village was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada on June 22, 1989. The site was designated as a national historical site of Canada because it is the best surviving example of a Mormon agricultural village. The Michelsen Farmstead was the focus of the community, and is now a totally restored museum, listed as a Provincial Historic Site in 2001. The Galt Historic Railway Park is another popular museum located in this historic site.
History
was founded on May 5, 1899 by Theodore Brandley. The village was one of two communities that owed its existence to a partnership between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Charles A. Magrath of the North Western Coal and Navigation Company. Stirling was named after John A. Stirling, Managing Director of The Trusts, Executors and Securities Corporation of London, which owned shares in the Alberta Coal and Railway Company. After arriving at the Stirling siding, Theodore Brandley quickly started planning the lay-out of the village. The townsite was made up of one square mile, then divided into lots of ; each with a surveyed road around the entire area with a lane running north and south, dividing it into two parcels. The parcels were then again divided, east and west, making four lots, each, giving the residents room to build homes, barns and shelters for animals, with large gardens. Theodore planned the townsite after the Plat of Zion, which Stirling still follows today, and is recognized as the most well-preserved, Canadian example of the Plat of Zion. For this reason, Stirling is known as Stirling Agricultural Village
Museums and attractions
On the east entrance of Main Street is a newly built Information Kiosk made to replicate that of an older Victorian style Pioneer home found throughout Stirling and area. In the kiosk are historical markers and a map that shows many sites of interest throughout the National Historic Site of Stirling.
Michelsen Farmstead - a typical farmstead found throughout Stirling in the early 20th century. The Michelsen's farmstead is taken care of by the Stirling Historical Society and has been completely restored back to its 1930s heritage.
Lost Frontier Mini-Railway: The Lost Frontier Mini-Railway is a small train park open by booking from May to October and is a very popular local attraction. Located on the grounds of the William T. Ogden Home, the park also has a petting zoo.
Events
Victoria Day at the Galt Historic Railway Park, visitors get guided tours of the Galt train station, build kites and participate in other activities.
Stirling Community Garage Sale, community garage sale held by the Stirling Historical Society.
Stirling Settler Days, After Stirling's founding on May 5, 1899, July 24, previously known as "Pioneer Day" & now called "Stirling Settler Days", was celebrated to mark the Mormon pioneers arrival in the Salt Lake Valley.
Stirling Fall Festival, held at the grounds of the Michelsen Farmstead each year. Visitors get to make rope, stick dolls, and dipped candles, there are also wagon rides as well as kiddie games.
Harvest Dance, also held at the Michelsens farmstead, Old-fashioned Barn dance.
Stirling Haunted Mansion, located in the William Ogden House, also known as the largest haunted house in Southern Alberta.
Victorian Prairie Christmas, an old-fashion Victorian Christmas party held at the Galt Historic Railway Park Station.
Lions Christmas Dinner, a community dinner with traditional home cooking.
Santa Claus Mansion, held at the William Ogden House in conjunction with the village's Christmas lights tour.
Christmas Lights tour, held in conjunction with the Santa Claus Mansion to view citizen's Christmas light displays.
