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Location DB >
Canada >
Nova Scotia >
Halifax >
Georges Island
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Publically Viewable |
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This location has been labeled by its creator as Public, and therefore can be viewed by anyone.
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Georges Island, a small drumlin located in the middle of Halifax harbour, was shaped by glaciers which swept Nova Scotia thousands of years ago. Its strategic location and glacial till made it ideally suited to becoming the heart of the seaward defences for Halifax's important naval base.
Today, Parks Canada is responsible for the preservation and stabilization of the cultural resources on Georges Island.
This National Historic Site of Canada is part of the Halifax Defence Complex.
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Type: Building/Tunnel/Outdoor
Status: National Historic Site
Accessibility: Difficult
Recommendation: Must see, but the island is closed to the public and you'll probably go to jail if they catch you there without permission.
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unsafe flooring
flooding
water
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Fort Charlotte is largely subterranean. Inside it's maze of tunnels you'll find corridors leading to magazines, sleeping quarters, and a handful of large 10 inch RMLs remaining beneath the earth in the lower battery. Imagine being the guy who had to fire that thing!
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wooden boarding
harbour is monitored
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Georges Island became militarized in 1750 to protect Halifax from a seaward attack. Used as a prison for displaced Acadiens from 1755 - 1763, the island for was refitted during the American Revolution.
In 1798, a modern fortress was built on the island as the fort was again refitted. It was at this time when the fortress on the island was named Fort Charlotte (by Prince Edward for his mother Queen Charlotte).
A new, largely subterranean, fort with modern rifled muzzle-loading (RML) guns was constructed during the American Civil War as concern that British North American colonies could become directly involved in conflict.
Built underground is a maze of tunnels, magazines, and sleeping quarters. Eight 9 inch RMLs were placed in the upper battery of the new Fort Charlotte while four 10 inch guns were installed in the lower.
Weapon technology would soon render the RMLs installed on Georges Island obsolete.
The British would establish underwater harbour defence facilties on the island to prevent any ships from entering. The island's role in harbour defences was gradually reduced.
The Canadian Government became responsible for harbour defences in Halifax in 1906 and assumed ownership of Georges Island.
The island became was again used for underwater harbour defences (like the submarine net) during the World Wars 1 and 2. An anti-aircraft unit during WW2 were the last soldiers ever stationed on the island.
The lighthouse on the island, originally erected n 1876, remained active until it was destroyed by fire in 1916 and replaced in 1919. It was manned by a human lightkeeper until 1972 when it became automated.
Source: Parks Canada: Georges Island
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The island is not open to the public due to the fragile condition of resources. Parks Canada is now preparing this heritage site for future visitation.
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Pier 21 from Georges Island
Sat, Jun 21st, 2008
posted by tribeachpunk
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Georges Island from Bishops Landing
Thu, Jan 27th, 2011
posted by tribeachpunk
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The moderator rating is a neutral rating of the content quality, photography, and coolness of this location.
This location has not yet been rated by a moderator.
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This location's validation is current. It was last validated by
Explorer Zero on 7/10/2017 9:30 AM.
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on Jul 10 17 at 9:30, Explorer Zero validated this location
on Jul 10 17 at 4:51, Radio2600 updated gallery picture Cruise Ship
on Jul 10 17 at 4:51, Radio2600 updated gallery picture Fog has Lifted
on Jul 10 17 at 4:50, Radio2600 updated gallery picture Lighthouse and Porta-Loos
on Jul 10 17 at 4:44, Radio2600 updated gallery picture Morning Fog
on Jul 10 17 at 4:43, Radio2600 added some pictures to a gallery
on Jul 10 17 at 4:42, Radio2600 created a new gallery
on Jan 27 11 at 21:03, tribeachpunk validated this location
on Jan 27 11 at 21:02, tribeachpunk changed the following: Display Name, History, Media Coverage, Web Links
on Jan 27 11 at 20:47, tribeachpunk validated this location
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