Description:

Welcome to a map based on a real-life location in the heart of the North American prairie, where agriculture is as gigantic as it can get. Welcome to Canada, welcome to Saskatchewan, welcome to Abbey. The village of Abbey has a history that is closely tied to the development of the Canadian Prairies and the settlement of Western Canada. This region was discovered by European settlers as late as the late 19th century, who were in search of fertile land and new opportunities. These settlers often came from various countries, including Britain, Germany, and Scandinavia, bringing their own traditions and agricultural knowledge with them. The first settlers in the region faced numerous challenges. The harsh climatic conditions, particularly the cold winters, posed a significant hurdle. In the early 1880s, many ranchers experienced catastrophic cattle mortality when a series of severe winters decimated their herds. These events led to a reevaluation of agriculture and the necessity to improve infrastructure to make the region economically viable. The construction of the railway was a crucial factor in the development of Abbey and other villages in the area. The railway opened up new trade routes and facilitated the transport of goods and agricultural products. This led to an increase in population as more settlers flocked to the region to take advantage of the new opportunities. The arrival of the railway in the late 1900s was a turning point for Abbey, as it significantly improved access to markets and resources. Abbey was officially established in 1910 and quickly developed into an important center for the surrounding agricultural operations. The community grew and thrived, supported by agriculture, which formed the backbone of the local economy. Settlers cultivated wheat, barley, and other crops that thrived in the fertile soil of the prairie. The community was characterized by a strong sense of togetherness, as people often relied on one another to face the challenges of life on the prairie. Over the years, Abbey experienced various economic ups and downs, often linked to fluctuations in agriculture and global markets. Agriculture is still the most important economy in this part of the country and Abbey is lucky to still have an active railway network unlike many other small villages on the prairie today. The village struggled with a massive population loss in the past 50 years just like everywhere in the region, but, nevertheless, it always remained an important part of the regional identity. Prairie land is rough land and the ancestors of the people living in this rural village once came to search for a better life. They came to a place with long, cold winters and enormous winds that blast through a landscape where no tree wants to grow on its own. But they made the best of it, planted tree lines to protect their small modest homes from the weather and laid the foundation for the thriving agricultural companies that today produce food for people all around the globe. With this map, you become a part of it, build your own big farm and experience the feeling of farming the open, massive fields of the North American prairies.