Halifax was founded for the Royal Navy. For 150 years, it was defined by the British military. But, at the beginning of the 20th century, the British left and the city faced an uncertain future.
Using maps and images from the early 1900s, this presentation examines the effort to make Halifax a world class commercial seaport with a new railway across the peninsula and new docks near Point Pleasant Park. Delayed by World War I and the Halifax Explosion, it was finally completed almost fifteen years late.
More than 250 properties were expropriated and the area south of Inglis Street and along the Arm to Fairview was upended with four years of blasting and digging.
Railroaded: The Untold History of Halifax’s Rail Cut is authored by Bob Chaulk. Copies will be available for purchase and signing.
Bob Chaulk has done more than 1,200 dives in Halifax Harbour and written seven books, six of them about the maritime history of Halifax. His latest book, Railroaded, describes the incredible challenge of building the rail cut and docks while turning the lives of thousands of people upside down.
Tuesday Night Talks is open to everyone. We offer free admission from 4 pm - 8 pm. Donations to Feed Nova Scotia are welcome.
