The Citadel.... one of the reasons Halifax exists

Tuesday morning President Nelson gave us a call.
They were taking some friends that were in town to tour The Citadel. 

We were invited to join them. 

Halifax owes its existence to the Citadel. 

It was a large hill overlooking the easily defended Harbour 
below that led the 
British military to found the town there in 1749. 

Among the first buildings constructed was a wooden guardhouse on top of what would eventually be called Citadel Hill.

Halifax's first settlers built their homes at the base of the hill, closer to the water. 
As the fort grew, so did the town. Halifax provided the support services to the Citadel.

The 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot arrived in 1869 and were stationed here for 3 years.

 When they arrived there was a total of 765 men. They disembarked in full dress uniform. 
The Regiment was divided into two depots and eight service companies, consisting in all of 34 officers, 49 sergeants, 21 drummers, 6 pipers and 600 rank and file. 

During the last rebuild (the fort was rebuilt 3 times) This stone barracks was built. 
It now houses the museum, gift shop and tea room. 

At 12 pm every day the Royal Artillery fires the "Noon Gun".
This tradition is one of the oldest in the world. 

They move the cannon into place at the edge of the ramparts

Ready...... Aim....... Fire! 

Prepared for any emergency! 

We enjoyed listening to the pipes and drums throughout the Citadel. 
The people in the Maritimes are incredibly musically talented.

On the Ramparts

There has been some great restoration completed here. 

Sister Nelson and her friend Sister Edwards. 
The Edwards are on their way home to Utah from their mission in Texas.

This would be a great place from which to defend the harbour!
It was built for anticipated defense from the French, Germans, Americans, just to name a few. 

The Citadel was never attacked. 
However, it played a big part in the American Revolutionary, American Civil, 
French Revolutionary Wars and both World Wars. 

The fort itself (formally known as Fort George (named after King George II of Great Britain), 

was built in the top of the hill rather than on top of Citadel Hill.

 If foot soldiers were rushing up the hill they would be unable to stop 

as the soldiers behind would continue to push so that they fell into the "moat". 

This was fun to watch as I thought of Aisling, Glenn and Laurence and their love for black powder. 

The armaments have been kept in very good repair over the years. 

You can never get too much pipes and drums! Love listening to them!!

Our gratitude to President and Sister Nelson is unbounded. 
Being with them is like being with an interactive museum of your very own.
President Nelson is a plethora of "useless" information!! 

A Pioneer is one who goes ahead, showing others the way to follow.

We are so grateful for all of the Pioneers that have gone ahead. 
They have left such a legacy here in the Maritimes 
The Lord has blessed this area so much. We are grateful to be participants here at this time.