Botha Memories

Botha, a hamlet in central Alberta, was founded in 1909. The community was established around a train station named after Louis Botha, a prominent figure in South African history. The hamlet was incorporated as a village on September 5, 1911, marking a significant milestone in its development. The early settlers of Botha were drawn to the area by the promise of fertile land and the opportunity to build a new life. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Prudden and their sons Willis and Earl, who arrived in Lacombe from Nebraska by train on December 6th, 1902. The family operated a store at Old Red Willow before moving to Botha.

Over the years, Botha grew and developed, with the Botha Mercantile building becoming a central fixture in the community. As the oldest surviving commercial building in the hamlet, it stands as a testament to Botha’s rich history and the resilience of its people.

The hamlet continued to thrive throughout the early 20th century, with its population steadily increasing. The community was self-sufficient, with local businesses providing goods and services to the residents. The village status of Botha was dissolved 106 years later on September 1, 2017, and it became a hamlet under the jurisdiction of the County of Stettler No. 6.

Botha is situated approximately 90 km east of Red Deer and 10 km east of Stettler. As of the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Botha had a population of 180 living in 70 of its 78 total private dwellings. The Artsy Fartsy Emporium, a local business, offers a variety of unique pieces, including mid-century modern hand-carved ironwood sculptures. The emporium is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, contributing to Botha’s local economy and cultural scene.