21天加拿大海洋省 (12) 第 15/16 日 - Halifax堡垒, Peggy Cove灯塔

Around the Maritimes in 21 Days (12) Day 15/16 - Halifax Citadel / Peggy Cove

第十五日

Baddeck NS to Halifax NS 车程3至4小时.

第十六日

Halifax堡垒, Peggy Cove灯塔

The Halifax Citadel is one of Canada’s great heritage treasures, a physical reminder of this country’s transition from colony to nation. It is a nationally significant symbol of Halifax’s role as a principal naval station in the British Empire and of the city’s importance to Canadian history.

From Halifax’s founding in 1749, the fortifications on Citadel Hill have been vital to the defense of Halifax and its Naval Station. The present Citadel, the fourth to be built on this location, was completed in 1856. This massive star-shaped structure played a crucial role in protecting Halifax against French, American and German threats. While it never fired a shot in anger, its mere presence was enough to deter any potential enemy.

With the passage of time, the Citadel evolved to find a new significance in the defense of Halifax. When the British departed in 1906, it became an important part of Canadian military strategy. Through two World Wars, the Citadel served the country faithfully; it became a sentinel and a symbol for those soldiers serving overseas.

相对于法军在Cape Breton的露易斯堡要塞, 四百公里外的Halifax堡垒是英军在北美的一个重要据点. 这一个八角星型堡垒修得如此坚固, 以至于没有任何敌人敢于向它发起过一次进攻.

1. Halifax Citadel, NS, Aug 19

1869年至1891年, 来自苏格兰的第78高地步兵团( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/78th_(Highlanders)_Regiment_of_Foot )驻扎在Halifax堡垒. 这个团有大约34名军官, 49名军士长, 27名乐手, 和600名士兵. 士兵都是来自苏格兰乡间未受过教育的少年. 战时冲锋陷阵, 平时学习文化. 他们永远不可能升为军官, 只有十分之一的老兵被许可成家. 军官都受过高等教育并十分富有, 因为军费都发到军官头上, 由他们招募士兵. 体面的军官还招募军乐队的乐手.

2. Halifax Citadel, NS, Aug 19