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History

A strategic city

i alivinghistoryFrom its founding in 1749 to the late 19th century, Halifax was one of four principal overseas naval stations in the British Empire. Military authorities built a system of coastal fortifications to defend the harbour and its approaches. The mighty Citadel acted as a command post and warded off land-based attacks.

The present-day Citadel was completed in 1856 and is the fourth in a series of forts to occupy the hill overlooking the city.

The mid-Victorian era

At the height of its influence in the mid-Victorian era, the Citadel was the headquarters of one of the Halifax Garrison's two infantry regiments. British units were generally posted to Halifax for a two-year period. Two of these units were the 78th Highland Regiment of Foot and the 3rd Brigade, Royal Artillery.

 

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All donations received are used to bring history to life at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada, by hiring young men and women to portray the British Garrison in Halifax at the time of our nation's birth.