Halifax Citadel

The Halifax Citadel fortress sits on a hilltop and affords a commanding view of the entrance to Halifax Harbor.

The hill's strategic value was the primary reason that the British military chose to establish a presence during the late 1740s to counter a growing French presence at Fortress Louisbourg, at nearby Cape Breton Island.

The town of Halifax was founded in 1749. Since that time, a series of four different defensive fortifications have occupied the summit of Citadel Hill over the intervening years.

The first fort was part of the western perimeter wall for the old city which was protected by five stockaded forts. The current star-shaped fortress, or citadel, is formally known as Fort George started construction in 1823, and planned to be finished the following year.

However, additions and improvements were constantly being made, and the actual construction was finally completed in 1856. This massive masonry-construction fort was designed to repel a land-based attack by United States forces and was inspired by the designs of Louis XIV's of France.

Fort George was constructed to defend against smoothbore weaponry, but soon became became obsolete when more powerful rifled guns were introduced in the1860s.

So the British forces upgraded Fort George's armaments to permit it to defend the harbor as well as land approaches, using heavier and more accurate long-range artillery.

Although never attacked, Citadel Hill's various fortifications were occupied by the British Army until 1906 and afterward by the Canadian Army throughout the First and Second World Wars.

Today, the Halifax Citadel is operated by Parks Canada and is recognized as one of the most important historic sites in Canada.

Fort George has a living history program featuring actors portraying life in the fort where soldiers of the 78th Highland Regiment, the Third Brigade of the Royal Artillery, soldiers wives, and civilian tradespersons re-enact life in 1869.

At midday, cover your ears—the firing of the noon-day gun is a Halifax tradition dating from the late 1800s.

There are guided and self-guided tours available as well as an army museum, audio-visual presentations and exhibits which explain in detail the Citadel's role in shaping Halifax's and North America's history.

A visit to the Halifax Citadel is an educational and enjoyable experience. An audio-visual presentation and modern exhibits communicate the historical themes of the Citadel's commemoration as nationally significant in Canadian history.

From atop Citadel Hill, the panorama of city and harbor is a sight to be seen.

The entry fee for adults is approximately $12.00 each and approximately $6.00 per child.

Halifax Town Clock

So he commissioned a clock tower in 1800 prior to his return to England.

The Town Clock opened on October 20, 1803 at a location on the east slope of Citadel Hill and has kept time for the community ever since.

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