The Big Four (Calgary)

The Big Four were the wealthy Alberta cattlemen Patrick Burns, George Lane, A. E. Cross and Archibald J.

McLean were ranchers, Pat Burns owned a meat packing business and A.E.

[1] In the summer of 1912, the Big Four were approached by cowboy Guy Weadick with the proposal for a wild west show that would "make Buffalo Bill's Wild West Extravaganza look like a sideshow.

"[1] They each put up $25,000 to finance the first Calgary Stampede held in September 1912.

The Big Four Building at the Stampede Grounds in Calgary was named for the four businessmen, and once held the largest curling rink in the world.