York Redoubt National Historic Site is a 200-year-old fortification on a high bluff overlooking the entrance to the Halifax Harbour, just 14 km / 8.7 mi from downtown Halifax. Established in 1793, it was a key element in the defense of Halifax Harbour during the second half of the 19th century. This National Historic Site is a unique heritage treasure featuring interpretive panels, tunnels, muzzle-loading guns, and a World War II Command Post. Visitors may stroll along the many walking trails, wander among the armament and fortifications and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Halifax Harbour.
York Redoubt was first fortified in 1793, when war broke out between Britain and France. General James Ogilvie, the British commander at Halifax, built a two-gun battery to defend the harbour entrance. The defenses were improved by Prince Edward, fourth son of King George III, when he was the commander at Halifax from 1794 to 1800. By 1800, the site had an eight-gun battery and a round Martello Tower, with a signal mast intended to give early warning of an enemy attack. Edward named it York Redoubt in honor of his brother, the Duke of York.
By 1867, when Canada was born, technology was changing rapidly. Warships were now built of iron, rather than wood, and protected by thick armor which cannon balls could not penetrate. New guns firing heavier, pointed shells were built to pierce armor plate. York Redoubt was rebuilt and expanded to mount the new guns.
As well as the six guns which remain in place along the battlements of the old fort, across the parking lot is a display of several cannon and rifle barrels which once lined the ramparts, each being retired as newer and more effective guns came into production. This display consists of a single old cannon barrel cast sometime between 1760 and 1820. It is a 12 pounder, well to the west from the others on display, just northwest of several large signs comprising a timeline of the fort.
Following is more information on this lone cannon.
Artillery at York Redoubt
There are 17 unmounted Guns, with one row of nine in large calibers, a second row of seven in smaller calibers and one Cast Iron 9-pounder Smoothbore Muzzleloading Gun with broken trunnions beside one of the park signs, all resting on wood blocks inside York Redoubt. Most of these guns are heavily corroded with only partial details and serial numbers discernible
Cast Iron 12-pounder Smoothbore Muzzleloading Gun, weight 29-0-2 (3,270 lbs), 7-feet, 6-inches long, cast during the reign of King George III (1760-1820). This gun has broken trunnions and rests on wood blocks near the line of six mounted RML Guns on the ramparts.
From Silver Hawk Author