Due to flooding problems, the original NWMP Fort Macleod, built on an island in the Oldman River, was torn down and re-erected in 1884 in what is now the present-day townsite. After the formation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1920, the new fort largely fell into disuse and subsequent decay.

However, the fort’s barracks were eventually partially rebuilt and, in August 2005, opened to the public. Today, the partially-rebuilt remains are a Provincial Historic Site and include the saddlery, prison, gallows, armoury and infirmary.