Scene 13: Scholten Hill

Scholten Hill, is likely named after Colonel Dirk A. Scholten. The panoramic view from the hill reveals buildings from Medicine Hat’s industrial history, such as Medalta Potteries National Historic Site which incorporates the former IXL Brick Plant. The “Five Roses” Ogilvie Flour Mill and other Grain Elevators (which are no longer in operation) serve as reminders of our agricultural heritage.

One prominent landscape feature on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River is the siltstone yellow-brown cliffs below the hamlet of Veinerville. Natural erosion has produced slumpage which is slowly eating away at the cliff edge. Turkey Vultures are commonly seen soaring in the Scholten Hill skies.

A. Yellow-Brown Cliffs

These Veinerville cliffs have been made from long ago lake deposits. In the sunlight, these brownish cliffs provide some of the highest elevation and majestic views in our city. If you look carefully you may see some recent castle-like formations.

B. History Galore

From this scenic view you can see a lot of our City’s history including “Medalta, an innovative museum, contemporary ceramic arts facility, art gallery, and community hub in Medicine Hat. Located within a converted century-old factory, it has become an exciting place where cutting-edge technologies, historic restoration, and archaeology come together.”

C. Brick and Tile

East of Medalta you can see the historic IXL Brick and Tile Company. It began in 1893 and is said to be the oldest industrial site in Alberta. Closed in 2010 this brick and tile plant was a leading national distributor of brick and tile, specializing in architectural masonry and cladding products.

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