This fortification is part of the Halifax Defence Complex.

Many open cement buildings as well as buildings which have been sealed by brick walls are inaccessible.

Part of the main defenses of the harbour, Point Pleasant Battery sits along the southernmost point of the Halifax peninsula. This reminder of Halifax's military past is slowly being reclaimed by the Park itself. This is an easy walk along the shore from the lower parking lot, and is part of a broad open area along the shore, complete with picnic tables and barbecue facilities.

At the time of Halifax's founding in 1749, this area was the first choice for the site of the new town itself. Clearing of the land commenced, until it was decided to move the town's location around to the eastern side of the peninsula along the Harbour narrows, thus providing better protection from both the elements and the enemy. The shallow waters off the southern edge of Point Pleasant Park, also known as Hens & Chickens shoal, would have made shipping access difficult.

In 1762, the first defences were constructed here to prevent enemy passage into the Harbour. The defences were upgraded over the years, of course, and maintained through the First World War.