Ever wonder where the idea for the Calgary Stampede happened? It could have been right here. It is reputed that the idea was conceived in Bar-U Ranch owner George Lane’s room at the Alberta Hotel, our oldest remaining hotel building. Swipe to see what it looked like in 1891 👉⁣ ⁣ For most of the building's history as a hotel, it claimed the status as being the best in the city. The hotel was the preferred lodging and gathering place for well-to-do ranchers, businessmen, local personalities and remittance men. Apart from the superior accommodations, its other drawing cards included an excellent dining room, a favored barbershop, a pool and billiards room, a reading room and a renowned beverage room, famous for its 125'-long bar - supposedly the longest between Winnipeg and Vancouver.⁣ ⁣ Some of the well-known cattlemen and personalities that regularly patronized the Alberta Hotel included George Lane, owner of the Bar-U Ranch; Fred Stimson, manager of the Bar-U; brewer A.E. Cross; ranch...