We headed out shortly after 9:00 this morning, going back into Halifax...this time our destination was Citadel Hill and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
We managed to find a parking spot on a side street and climbed the hill up to the Citadel. After paying the entrance fee, we entered the historic site. The place is huge! So much more to see than the Quebec City Citadel.
(Picture taken from website)
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Located on the second floor of the Cavalier Building, the Army Museum is a popular attraction at the Halifax Citadel. Exhibits showcase the important contribution Halifax made to Canada’s defence efforts, especially in World Wars I and II.
The Army Museum displays rare and unique military artifacts. Some date back to the days when Halifax was a vital British naval port. Others trace the evolution of Canada’s forces, and the formation of our post-World War II alliances. Together, they tell a story that spans more than 400 years.
To see the collection of pictures Steve took inside the museum, click on the album "Halifax Citadel Army Museum". If interested don't forget to click on photos that require reading :)
We took a one-hour guided walking tour...As you explore the impressive Halifax Citadel together, your guide shares highlights from the fascinating history of the four successive versions of this fort that have protected Halifax Harbour since 1749.
There is much to absorb and ponder as you are transported back in time to a day in the life of a British soldier and his family, played by members of an historical reenactment group. Eager to share their knowledge, they love to answer your questions, especially ones about the critical role that the Halifax Citadel played in the protection and development of the city, as well as the country we now know as Canada.
After the tour, we continued exploring...Steve captured some great pictures to document our visit...
Soldiers' Barracks
They were cramped, damp, sparsely furnished, and, sometimes, the only privacy you had was a grey army blanket. Conditions in the barracks of the 19th century were anything but glamorous for members of the 78th Highland Regiment and their families. Step inside to see for yourself. Try on the soldiers’ famous headgear. Lift their heavy packs from their modest steel-frame beds. Or open their kits to see how they kept themselves and their uniforms crisp and clean for inspection. These artifacts will give you some insight into what life was like at the Halifax Citadel many years ago.
Our tour guide left, demonstrating the back pack
Side room used as a jail cell...
There are several different types of cannons...
They were cramped, damp, sparsely furnished, and, sometimes, the only privacy you had was a grey army blanket. Conditions in the barracks of the 19th century were anything but glamorous for members of the 78th Highland Regiment and their families. Step inside to see for yourself. Try on the soldiers’ famous headgear. Lift their heavy packs from their modest steel-frame beds. Or open their kits to see how they kept themselves and their uniforms crisp and clean for inspection. These artifacts will give you some insight into what life was like at the Halifax Citadel many years ago.
Our tour guide left, demonstrating the back pack
Side room used as a jail cell...
There are several different types of cannons...
It’s a Halifax tradition. Every day, the Royal Artillery fires the noon gun at the Halifax Citadel. Dressed in their crisp blue uniforms, they look like the real thing. But like the 78th Highland Regiment, they’re really re-enactors.
A common sight at every British fort, the Royal Artillery maintained and operated the armaments, ammunition, and powder. Today, these re-enactors perform drill demonstrations on 12-pounder and 32-pounder smoothbore guns, and 7” rifled muzzle-loading guns. They’ve also been known to fire a 32-pounder on some afternoons, simply for your entertainment. And they operate the Halifax Citadel’s commercial and military signal masts, indicating that all are welcome to visit and experience this special historic site.
It catches your eye as soon as you enter the room – the cannon pointed at the window. It is a reminder that the casements were built to protect the Halifax Citadel. In the event of an attack, these guns would fire into the Halifax Citadel’s ditch. When there were no threats, these casements served as prison cells. Soldiers convicted of minor offences, such as drunkenness and cursing, were held here. For more serious offences, such as theft and attempted murder, they were sent to Melville Island, located in Halifax’s Northwest Arm.
Signal Post
Imagine what it was like to send a message to someone before the invention of the Internet and cell phones. The signal flag display will transport you back to the days when this was the main means of communication between the Halifax Citadel and York Redoubt. Not only were flags used to send coded messages, they also announced the arrival and departure of commercial ships in Halifax Harbour.
Schoolroom
Come in and take a seat. Class is about to begin. Today’s lesson will explore what education was like for soldiers and their children in the 19th century. We’ll be covering British history, math and moral conduct. We also have slates for you to write on, and a counting ball (or abacus) for solving math problems. And remember, if you have any questions, just ask the schoolmaster.
Guarding the South Magazine...
South Magazine
Tailor Shop
The tailor shop kept the regiment clothed. The tailor was responsible for keeping the soldiers in style with their MacKenzie tartan kilts and bright red doublets. Visitors will delve into the craftsmanship that went into these impressive uniforms.
Orderly Room
If you were a soldier at the Halifax Citadel in the 19th century, your orders for the day came from this room. Everything from what you wore, to your duties, to punishments for your infractions, was decided here. Today, you’ll find a dip pen, fresh paper and India ink on-site waiting for you to write out your own commands.
Smooth Bore Artillery allowed penetration of steel ships...
WWI Trench Experience
Discover aspects of life on the Western Front. Tour a full-size simulated trench, explore dugouts where men took their orders, and take a chilling glimpse at no man’s land through the eyes of a soldier. Step into the nurses’ tent and find out how front-line medicine worked against all odds to save lives.
The only thing missing to make it realistic was the cold, mud, water, rats and lice to name a few...
They sure weren't well paid...
A German Trench...
Looking between the outer and inner walls of the Citadel as we leave. That was very interesting and well done!
Stay tuned for the rest of our day....
Come in and take a seat. Class is about to begin. Today’s lesson will explore what education was like for soldiers and their children in the 19th century. We’ll be covering British history, math and moral conduct. We also have slates for you to write on, and a counting ball (or abacus) for solving math problems. And remember, if you have any questions, just ask the schoolmaster.
Entrance to the South Magazine...
South Magazine
The gunpowder for the Halifax Citadel’s armaments had to be stored in a safe, dry place. This magazine is where the barrels were kept, which made it the fort’s most dangerous spot. You had to be very careful handling the barrels. One spark was enough to set them off, resulting in more damage than any enemy attack could cause. That’s the reason why soldiers stationed here wore wooden shoes, buttons and buckles.
Exiting the South Magazine...
The tailor shop kept the regiment clothed. The tailor was responsible for keeping the soldiers in style with their MacKenzie tartan kilts and bright red doublets. Visitors will delve into the craftsmanship that went into these impressive uniforms.
If you were a soldier at the Halifax Citadel in the 19th century, your orders for the day came from this room. Everything from what you wore, to your duties, to punishments for your infractions, was decided here. Today, you’ll find a dip pen, fresh paper and India ink on-site waiting for you to write out your own commands.
Engineer Store
This is the room where the royal engineers stored supplies and spare parts for the various buildings of the Halifax Citadel.
This is the room where the royal engineers stored supplies and spare parts for the various buildings of the Halifax Citadel.
Discover aspects of life on the Western Front. Tour a full-size simulated trench, explore dugouts where men took their orders, and take a chilling glimpse at no man’s land through the eyes of a soldier. Step into the nurses’ tent and find out how front-line medicine worked against all odds to save lives.
You guys have to be exhausted at the end of the day! So much to see in that area, one really has to take their time to make sure they see everything.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much to see in this area and we won't get a chance to see it all but I think we have picked some interesting places! It's tiring being "on the go" so much but we are having a blast!
DeleteA very interesting place to visit. Love the kilts. lol
ReplyDeleteIt was very well done and the staff played their parts well.
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