Fortress Halifax: Protrait of a Garrison Town

Clint MacNeil teaches history, geography, and world religion at St.
Charles College in Sudbury.

Parker says that his work was written “with the amateur history
enthusiast in mind.” Although that might be true, he paints a vivid
picture of Halifax’s military past that can be appreciated by almost
any reader. Fortress Halifax focuses on military life in Halifax
primarily between 1749 and 1906.

Halifax was founded by Colonel Edward Cornwallis in 1749 as a defensive
measure to counter an invasion. Named in honour of George Montague-Dunk,
2nd Earl of Halifax, this garrison town was controlled by the British
military, which oversaw the construction of Fort George Citadel,
namesake of King George III. Numerous batteries, barracks, ramparts, and
other reinforcements earned Halifax the nickname “Gibraltar of North
America.”

The rough-and-tumble outpost was no place for the faint of heart. Press
gangs frequented the streets in search of new recruits who were often
tricked and forced into service. Disturbances between civilians and
soldiers, some of which resulted in death, were common. One observer
noted: “Black eyes and a cracked-skull have now become the marks of a
night on the town.” Alcohol abuse plagued the ranks and desertion was
incurable despite savage public floggings and executions.

Halifax’s relation to the British military was not entirely a tale of
misery. The arrival of the king’s son, Prince Edward IV, in 1794
brought profound changes to Halifax. Numerous building projects,
refurbished batteries, and his telegraph were accomplished using his
father’s resources and Masonic connections. The industrial base of
Halifax was strengthened through shipping, rail, and an influx of
immigrants in the 1850s. In addition, many leisurely diversions—from
reading to racquet ball—helped soldiers to cope with daily monotony.

When Fort George Citadel outlived its usefulness, it was turned over to
Canada in 1906. During the two world wars, it served as a barracks,
ammunition depot, and POW camp. With the notable exceptions of the
Halifax Harbour explosion in 1917 and the VE-Day Riots in 1945, Halifax
saw little excitement and never fired a single shot.

Generously supplemented with historical photos, Parker’s book
provides valuable insight into Halifax’s proud military heritage.