Citadel Cannon - Halifax, Nova Scotia - Time Signals on Waymarking.com

"The practice of firing a gun at mid-day at the Halifax Citadel dates from at least 1856. Historically the military first used cannons to signal daybreak, noon and sunset. An evening cannon warned soldiers that the fort gates were closing for the night and that they should return to barracks. The present-day noon gun is a reproduction of a twelve-pound, smooth-bore, muzzle-loading gun used during the reign of King George III (1760-1820). For over 155 years, the citizens of Halifax have relied on the reverberating blast from the noon gun to signal mid-day. The Royal Artillery put on quite a show as they move this gun into place and fire it every day except Christmas Day! "

See: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/visit/visit6.aspx

As a visitor there, the guide will tell you that if they loaded the cannon with the full amount of gunpowder that would be required to fire a cannon ball it would likely take out the windows for several square kilometres in the vicinity of the Citadel.

"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."

See: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/visit/visit8.aspx

"Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a symbol of Halifax’s role as a principal naval station in the British Empire, which was completed in 1856 and is the fourth in a series of forts on the site. Visitors can tour the impressive star-shaped masonry structure with a defensive ditch, earthen ramparts, musketry gallery, powder magazine, and garrison cells. Visitors can see various exhibits, period-style rooms, and tour the Army Museum; view a spectacular sight and sound theatre presentation; and enjoy the Citadel’s living history program where mid-Victorian Halifax (1869) comes to life. Experience the pageantry of the 78th Highlanders, music, performances, guided tours, and one of the oldest continuous noon guns in the world. "

See: http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/thingstoseeanddo/listingdetails.aspx/halifax-citadel-national-historic-site/1440

Type: Time Cannon In service: yes Time of signal: 1200 hrs Year established (if known): 1856 Address: 425 Sackville Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia Weblink (if any): [Web Link] Year decommissioned (if applicable): Not listed

Visit Instructions:
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