Steinbach is the third-largest city in the province of Manitoba, Canada and, with a population of 17,806, the largest community in the Eastman region. The city, located about 58 km (36 mi) southeast of the provincial capital of Winnipeg, is bordered by the Rural Municipality of Hanover to the north, west, and south, and the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie to the east. Steinbach was first settled by Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonites from Ukraine in 1874, whose descendants continue to have a significant presence in the city today. Steinbach is found on the eastern edge of the Canadian Prairies, while Sandilands Provincial Forest is a short distance east of the city.
Clockwise from top: The Steinbach Millennium Clock Tower in downtown Steinbach, the historic Stony Brook and the Steinbach Post Office.
Cenotaph listing Steinbach's 18 pioneer families at the Pioneer Cemetery
Industrious Mennonites in Steinbach circa 1906 (Friesen Machine Shop on Friesen Ave.)
Windmill at Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach
William Hespeler, born Wilhelm, was a German-Canadian businessman, immigration agent, and member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. He served as Speaker of the Legislature and as honorary consul of Germany to Winnipeg and the Northwest Territories. He was awarded the Order of the Red Eagle for his services to Germany.
William Hespeler
