Citadel National Historic Park
The first fort was simply a small redoubt which stood near the summit with a flagstaff and guardhouse.
The first major permanent fortification appeared on Citadel Hill in the American Revolution. The possibility of attack during the Revolution required a larger fortification to protect the city from an American or French attack. Built in 1776, the new fort on Citadel Hill was composed of multiple lines of overlapping earthen redans (French word for projection, v-shaped angle toward an expected attack) backing a large outer palisade wall. At the center was a three-story octagonal blockhouse mounting a fourteen-gun battery and accommodating 100 troops. The entire fortress mounted 72 guns.
A new citadel was designed in 1794 and was completed by 1800. The top of the hill was leveled and lowered to accommodate a larger fortress on the summit. It resembled the outline of the final Citadel, comprising four bastions surrounding a central barracks and magazine, but used mainly earthwork walls.
The current star-shaped fortress, or citadel, is formally known as Fort George and was completed in 1856, during the Victorian Era, following twenty-eight years of construction. This massive masonry-construction fort was designed to repel a land-based attack by United States forces.
An interesting note with all the fortifications and all on this fort it change hands seven times without a shot fired!!!
The renowned 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot were stationed at Halifax for almost three years (1869-1871). A total of 765 men disembarked in full dress uniform. The Regiment was divided into two depots and eight service companies, consisting in all of 34 officers, 49 sergeants, 21 drummers, 6 pipers, and 600 rank and file.
During our visit to the fort there was some kind of demonstration going on.
This is one on the loading and firing of the canon. At noon everyday since the fort began a canon on the wall is fired. That canon is still fired today. It is so loud. We also had rifle demonstrations too.
There were small pipe bands marching in the compound throughout the day.
One of the handsome military dudes.
the changing of the guard. There was a guard posted at the entrance of the fort. Today the guard is on duty for one hour. He stands there without moving, other than a few marching maneuvers and steps to keep the blood running. No facial expressions.
getting ready
changed. He is now on duty for one hour. Fun to watch.
Rog has just dipped his pen in the ink well and is signing up to join the army. The paper is like the one a man back in the day would sign. Interesting.
Then he heads over to get his uniform, kilt and jacket.
At noon they had a concert with the pipes marching and playing with one of the members telling us about the group. After the performance I asked if they learned to play at the University of Bag-piping on Prince Edward Island. They said no that they learned here at the fort. The playing of the instrument is in a group of its own and does not prepare you to play any other kind of instrument. I was wondering if you learned to play the bagpipes if it would transfer to any other musical instrument.
The Town Clock opened on October 20, 1803 at a location on the east slope of Citadel Hill on Barrack (now Brunswick) Street and has kept time for the community ever since.
This is a wonderful place and we had a great time here.
I have eaten two more lobsters. If you going up to the office you can order them he will have them delivered and cook them for you and you take them to your rv and eat. They are so sweet and wonderful. I have lost count the number of lobster I have eaten while here so far and I am not done yet. There is another lobster dinner planned for us with this tour.
Tomorrow is a moving day. This is a heads up in case there is no internet.
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