Barnwell, Alberta is a charming village nestled in the heart of southern Alberta, Canada. Just a short 10 km drive west of Taber and 43 km east of Lethbridge on Highway 3, Barnwell is a part of the Municipal District of Taber. This quaint village offers a unique blend of history, community, and rural charm that is sure to captivate any visitor.
In the late 19th century, the area now known as Barnwell was home to a simple boxcar. This boxcar, located on a rail siding, served as a telegraph office for local settlers and the railroad. Originally, the area was named Woodpecker. However, in 1908, the area was renamed Bountiful to align with the local school district. This name was short-lived, as it was soon changed to Barnwell due to another community already bearing the name Bountiful. The name Barnwell was derived from William Barnwell, a longtime employee of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
In the early 1900s, Barnwell, along with other Southern Alberta areas, was colonized by migrating members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By 1911, Latter-day Saints had established eighteen new communities in southern Alberta, and 10,000 Saints, mostly farmers and their families, lived in the area of southwest Alberta alone.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Barnwell had a population of 978 living in 257 of its 264 total private dwellings. This represented a 3.3% increase from its 2016 population of 947. With a land area of 1.5 km2, Barnwell had a population density of 652.0/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Barnwell recorded a population of 947 living in 260 of its 266 total private dwellings. This was a significant 22.8% increase from its 2011 population of 771. With a land area of 1.51 km2, the village had a population density of 627.2/km2 in 2016.
According to Barnwell's 2015 municipal census, the village had a population of 960, marking an 18.2% increase from its 2011 municipal census population of 812.
Barnwell, Alberta is a village that continues to grow and thrive, offering a welcoming community and a rich history. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful place to call home, Barnwell has something for everyone.
