Georges Island National Historic Site of Canada

Natural Wonders & Cultural Treasures

History

Georges Island, a small drumlin located in the middle of Halifax harbour, was shaped by glaciers which swept Nova Scotia thousands of years ago. Its strategic location and glacial till made it ideally suited to becoming the heart of the seaward defences for Halifax's important naval base. For nearly two hundred years Georges Island was the scene of constant military activity. Tales of executions, forts and hidden tunnels surround the folklore associated with the mysterious island.

The Halifax harbour defence system has been recognized as unique on the North American continent because it contains a complete conspectus of shore defences from the mid-18th century to the Second World War. Georges Island was an integral part of that system. Between 1750 and 1815, the works on Georges Island evolved from a rather simple earthen battery to a sophisticated masonry fortification, Fort Charlotte, with a Martello tower in its centre. Improvements continued and by the 1830s it was the most powerful smooth-bore fort in the Halifax defence system. The introduction of the rifled muzzle-loading artillery necessitated the reconstruction of Fort Charlotte between 1864 and 1870.

By the end of 19th century, changes in military technology altered the island's military usefulness. As a consequence, the island lost its significance as the key counter-bombardment battery and assumed a minor role as part of the inner line of defence. It became the depot for the submarine mines which were assembled and stored for laying in time of attack. In 1960, Georges Island was declared surplus to the needs of the Department of National Defence and was designated as a national historic site in 1965.

Today, Parks Canada is responsible for the preservation and stabilization of the cultural resources on Georges Island. Although, the island is not open to the public due to the fragile condition of resources. Parks Canada is now preparing this heritage site for future visitation.