History of Halifax City

A vivid portrait of Halifax’s birth unfolds in this detailed chronicle, beginning with the aftermath of the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht that placed Acadia under British rule. The narrative sketches the scattered Acadian farms, the modest British outpost at Annapolis Royal, and the uneasy coexistence with French and Indigenous peoples along the coastline. Readers are drawn into the strategic concerns that drove the Crown to seek a permanent foothold on the Atlantic, setting the stage for a new settlement.

The book then follows the planning and execution of that venture, highlighting the persuasive lobbying from New England and the decisive support of Lord Halifax. It recounts how a generous government incentive attracted over a thousand families, and how Colonel Edward Cornwallis led the first fleet to Chebucto Bay in 1749. Early challenges—ranging from supplying the newcomers to navigating tense relations with the French—are explored with a blend of scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling, offering listeners a compelling glimpse into the city’s formative years.