Prior to settlement by Europeans in the late 19th century, the Moose Jaw area was inhabited by both the Cree and Assiniboine Aboriginal nations. The Canadian Pacific Railway explored and began settling the area in 1881. During Métis nation's North West Rebellion of 1885 against the British, Moose Jaw was a temporary home for 400 soldiers charged with quelling the revolt. It was also the site of much upheaval during the turn of the 20th century, when prostitution and alcohol made it a popular destination for nearby Americans.
Moose Jaw holds a lead in agricultural production and research. Biotechnology and livestock production are two of its major industries, although it is also the service center to much of Saskatchewan's agricultural community and has served as a backdrop for both the Canadian and U.S. film industry.
Proud Canadians consider Moose Jaw the home of the Canadian military's flying team, which is well known for its spectacular aerobatic demonstrations.
Moose Jaw's Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre provides support and ecological research for the endangered Burrowing Owl, which is native to this part of Canada.
Al Capone is rumored to have stayed in Moose Jaw during the 1920s, according to Moose Javians who say they did business with the gangster. The Soo train line ran from Chicago to Moose Jaw during those days and would have provided an easy means for travel. Little proof exists for this story, but it is believed that Capone's bootleg liquor trade flourished because of business connections in Canada.
Tourist attractions include the beautiful Wakamow Valley "river of turns" parks, which are both an historic and ecological landmark, and its many heritage buildings. Some 35 murals depicting Moose Jaw's western history are spread across the city as well.
One of the city's most popular private attractions is the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. Set in 19th-century tunnels under the city, visitors are told the story of Moose Jaw's beginnings through the reenactment of scenes and dramatic events. The skits include stories about Al Capone's mysterious sightings in Moose Jaw during the 1920s.
There are two theories as to the origin of Moose Jaw's name: One source ascribes the name to the mispronunciation of a Cree word meaning "Warm Breezes," owing to the area's "warmer" temperatures during the chilly Saskatchewan winter season. The other theory is that its name is the translation of an ancient Indian term meaning "The River Shaped like the Jawbone of the Moose," referring to Moose Jaw's unique geographic location.
