SENTINAL IN THE HARBOUR

Georges Island was the hub of the early Halifax defence complex.  From 1749 on, British colonist and officials feared French and Mi’kmaw attacks.  Those fears decreased after a massive British expedition captured Louisbourg in 1758.  War with the France began officially in 1756 but hostilities started the year before.  During this war, Britain upgraded Halifax’s harbour defences.  These quickly deteriorated once the war ended in 1763.  Georges Island’s defences were redesigned and improved during the American Revolution, then left to decay again.

DEFENDING THE INNER HARBOUR

Prince Edward transformed Halifax’s defences.  War was erupting with revolutionary France when Prince Edward arrived in Halifax in 1794.  Fearing an attack, the prince modernized the harbour defences on George Island.  He built an elaborate, star-shaped fort - Fort Charlotte - named after his mother, the Queen.  This low slate wall is the oldest structure on the island and dates to to this time.  When war broke out with the United States in 1812, the British once more renovated Fort Charlotte.  Again, it became a strong harbour fortress.

Georges Island National Historic Site

Information found on the Signage on the Island