Description
The settlement of Halifax was established by Britain in 1749 to counter French influence in the region now known as Atlantic Canada. Point Pleasant Battery guarded the entrance to Halifax Harbour for 183 years – the longest span of active defence of any other fortifications in the Halifax Fortress except for Georges Island, and thus one of the longest serving fortifications in all of Canada. Although British in origin and with long service under Imperial rule, from 1904 and during both World Wars it was a fully Canadian fortification, manned and maintained by Canadian personnel.
The drawing dates from the mid to late 19th century and may possibly have been produced during the time of the American civil War (1861-1865).
References:
The Evolution of the Halifax Fortress 1749-1928 by Harry Piers (The Public Archives of Nova Scotia, 1947)
Defending Halifax: Ordnance, 1825-1906 by A.J.B. Johnston (Parks Canada, 1981)
