Did Prince Albert choose a Penitentiary over a University?

Have you heard the rumor?  

I was speaking with a local citizen this summer in Memorial Square and they were saying how pleased they were that the U of S will be opening a campus downtown next fall and that it was too bad that Prince Albert decided years earlier to pass up the opportunity.  I told them that was false information and they told me that is what was taught to them in High School.

It is time to correct the rumors. 

If you have participated in a historical walking tour you have probably met Fred Payton.  He has spent years researching and understanding the history of Prince Albert.  I have been on several walking tours and he always has new stories and information to share.  I always learn something new each time.  

If you want to know the truth regarding the Penitentiary or University choice please check out this video of Fred speaking at tour of the St. Mary's Church. 

For the full video follow this link: 
​https://www.facebook.com/PrinceAlbertHistoricalSociety/videos/10155625620216732/

So the summary is, the leaders in Prince Albert advocated for the University but the Provincial decision was to locate it in Saskatoon.  Two years later the Provincial government decided to locate the penitentiary in Prince Albert.

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. - Marcus Garvey