History

Almora Cantonment Authority was established in 1815. The Cantonment Act was passed by Government of India in 1924. This Act is recently amended by the Cantonment Act (Amended), 2006. With the passage of time, the Cantonment has experienced considerable progress and development and as on today, it is a Class IV Cantonment. Almora Cantonment lies on the latitude 29.36 North and longitude 79.40 East. The civil and military stations are built in a saddle shaped ridge about two miles in length with an elevation varying from 5200 to 5500 fts above sea level. The north eastern side presents a panoramic view of the gracious Himalayas. Rainfall it receives is quite sufficient for the growth of luxuriant forest which greatly adds to the scenic beauty of the Cantonment. The history of Cantonment started with the land administration for quartering of troops. Housing was the core objective which attracted the civilian population also to reside in the Cantonment. The Bazaar area was recognized and the Cantonment clearly defined in Military, Bungalow and Civil Areas. The Board comprises of 4 Members out of which 2 are elected members and 2 are ex-officio members, i.e. Station Commander who is the ex-officio President of Cantonment Board and C.E.O. who is the Member Secretary is appointed by the Central Government Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Shala, which is located in Almora Cantonment  for development of hill agriculture, is also a place of interest. The ‘Ramkrishna Ashram‘ and ‘Brighton Corner’ are beautiful places of interest situated near Almora Cantonment. The Cantonment Board office building now known as “Tagore House” was initially called Building No-05, St. Mark’s House, Almora Cantonment. It is seen from the available records that the said “Tagore House” was constructed before 1832. Saint Rabindra Nath Tagore has visited this place and stayed in the said building during the months of May to June, 1937. During the stay in “Tagore House” he had written many books and also made certain paintings in local colours. A few old photographs including the photographs of Late Rabindra Nath Tagore are still found fixed on the inner walls of the building.