 As early as 1896 oil wells were drilled at Athabasca supplementing the rich soils and grain growing economy.There was a rush of settlers to the area in the early 20th century, at this time transportation for goods was freighted on Lesser Slave Lake to connecting river routes or via early rail lines overland.Fortune seekers during the gold rush of 1896 traveled north through Edmonton or took the rail as far north as Prince Albert.