Leduc

The area of Leduc, Alberta (53°16′N 113°32′W Elevation: about 668 m or 2192 feet), began in 1889 when Robert Taylor Telford settled on a piece of land near a scenic lake. This piece of land would become the cornerstone of the new town. During those earlier years, Telford was the first postmaster, first general merchant, and first justice of the peace in the settlement that had become informally known as Telford. He also later served the community as Mayor and as a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Leduc had humble beginnings. In 1890, a government telegraph office was being set up by Mr. McKinely, a settler in the area. He needed a name for the place and said, "We shall name it after the first person who comes in." In through the door came Father Hippolyte Leduc. He had served the area since 1867, and later went on to become the Vicar General of the Diocese of Edmonton. The municipality of Leduc was officially incorporated as the Village of Leduc on December 15, 1899 and grew to attain town status on December 15, 1906. It eventually became the City of Leduc on September 1, 1983.

Leduc continued to grow and prosper as a major stopping point between Edmonton and Calgary. However it wasn't until February 13, 1947 when oil was first discovered at Leduc No. 1 that the new era was ushered in. This discovery was the beginning of a massive economic revolution that saw Alberta change from a predominately rural and agricultural province to an urban economy dominated by the oil and gas industry. The city is located a few minutes south of Edmonton on Highway 2, and is just southeast of the Edmonton International Airport. As of 2005, Leduc has a population of 16,630.