The Birdtail valley was surveyed and mapped in 1850. 

The community’s first settlers and permanent residents, the Ross family arrived in 1879 and the community became known as Rossburn.

Early attractions to the area were large forests that provided fuel, heat and construction materials, as well as timber for the logging industry.  Meadow lands and high quality soil offered the promise of agriculture, and a good supply of clean water and abundant wildlife made the rustic landscape seem that much more enjoyable.

The first arrival of British pioneers and their families brought the need for buildings and stores and as these were constructed, the town took shape.  A second wave of immigrants in 1899 brought settlers from Poland and Ukraine.

It has been said that these Polish and Ukrainian immigrants relied on the Indian people’s skills and knowledge of the land for their survival, during the settlement years.

At the turn of the century, the railway arrived in the region and furthered the development of area communities.  Incorporated in 1914, Rossburn grew to become the main centre for the growing communities in the area.  Hydro lines were routed to the community in 1938.  The first Rossburn District Hospital opened in 1950 and a new healthcare facility was built in 1982.  The last party lines disappeared from the telephone system in 1996.  (Party lines were phone lines shared with neighbors.)

To find out more try geocaching! 

The RM of Rossburn is celebrating it's 125th Anniversary in 2009.  Find out more.