Stories about them are legion, and many films have portrayed their ability to "always get their man." Created in 1873 as the North West Mounted Police, the force had to formulate as well as preserve law and order in the Canadian West. Faced with problems such as the illegal sale of "firewater" to Canadian Indians by American traders, the police quickly established themselves as an effective force. They helped the various Indian tribes accept treaties and life on reservations, gave valuable aid to new settlers in the West and enforced law and order during the Klondike Stampede. In 1920 they were united with the Dominion Police as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Famous for their musical ride, a collection of early cavalry drills performed on horseback and culminating in a rousing "charge." Sunset Retreat Ceremony Jul & Aug.