With some much excitement and development in our future, we can never forget the history that shaped our city. Through murals, historical sites, lighthouses and military structures, there is Halifax history to be discovered.
Halifax Explosion
- December 2017: the 100th anniversary
- Only a few years following the Titanic disaster, Halifax was hit with a tragedy known as the Halifax Explosion. During WWl, two ships collided in the Halifax Harbour, one which was loaded with high explosives. The result was the largest human-made explosion prior to the detonation of the first atomic bomb in 1945.
- Not enough people understand the significant and important of such an event and anniversary
Halifax-Titanic Connection
The primary reason Halifax has such a strong connection to the Titanic, is based off proximity. In 1912 the “unsinkable ship” sunk roughly 350 miles from Newfoundland and Labrador and roughly 400 miles from Halifax, however Halifax was a preferred port for recovery as the port of St. John’s was more difficult to reach. For many of those who lost their lives aboard the Titanic, Halifax is where their story ended.
Historic Halifax Lighthouses
- The Sambro Lighthouse is the older lighthouse in North America and its construction is a National Historic Event… it continued to operate today.
- Constructed in 1868, Peggy’s Cove is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and continues to operate today.
- Georges Island Lighthouse, in the Halifax harbour was first constructed in 1876 but was destroyed in 1916 by a fire. In 1917 it was rebuilt as a concrete structure which continues to operate today.
- Devil’s Island Light on Devil’s Island, has a unique and folklore history, as many shipwrecks occurred near Devil’s Island.
Oldest buildings in Halifax
- St. Paul’s Anglican Church (1750): Second and oldest surviving Protestant church in Canada
- Little Dutch Church (1756):Halifax is also home to the oldest known surviving church in Canada associated with the German-Canadian community
- Sambro Lighthouse (1758): Halifax is actually home to the oldest lighthouse in North America
- Prince of Wales Tower (1796): Halifax is home to the Oldest Martello Tower in North America
Halifax’s Military History and structures
- York Redoubt
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
- Stir Stanford Fleming Park
- Point Pleasant structure and ruins
- Naval history
