Several prominent rock formations along river and creek beds were found in the district, and these were known resting and stopping sites for First Nations people as they moved up-and-down this corridor.

[9] "Scarlett's" became an important and popular stop along the Calgary and Edmonton Trail - frequented by freighters, the NWMP, military and the various stage coach lines.

However, to avoid crossing the Rosebud River at that point, the rail line was laid approximately 4 km west of Scarlett's.

[11] Named 'Carstairs' the new townsite's development started off slowly, but by the turn of the 20th century, the area began a steady growth pattern that allowed it to be officially recognized as Carstairs, NWT on May 15, 1903.

[15] Carstairs is home to an 18-hole golf course, a Memorial Complex with abundant parks and playgrounds, and Tourist Information Center.