Georges Island, Fortified island in Halifax Harbour, Canada
Description
Georges Island is a fortified site in Halifax Harbour featuring Fort Charlotte, an octagonal lighthouse, and extensive underground tunnel networks. The fort dominates the island's appearance and reveals the military layout built to defend the harbour.
History
The British built Fort Charlotte in 1750 to protect Halifax, making the island a military fortress. The fort remained strategically important through the Seven Years War and beyond in defending the harbour.
Culture
The island holds memory of a difficult period when Acadians were held here during their forced displacement in the mid-1700s. This history shapes how people today understand and experience the place and its stories.
Practical
Visitors can only reach the island by ferry from Halifax Waterfront, with service running from June to October on limited schedules. Bring weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear, as the island can be windy and pathways are uneven.
Did you know?
The underground tunnel network beneath the fort reveals sophisticated defence engineering from nearly 300 years ago. These tunnels are accessible during guided tours and show how military structures were actually constructed and used.
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