According to Merriam-Webster, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, Canada. Located on Halifax Harbour, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, the city occupies a rocky peninsula, four and a half miles long and two miles wide.
Halifax was settled by the British in 1749 as a counterbalance to French holdings at Cape Breton. It served as a British army and navy base until it was taken over by the Canadian government in 1906.
In 1917, the city suffered from a munitions-ship explosion that killed nearly 2,000 people and injured many more. During World Wars I and II, Halifax was Canada's most important naval base. Today, it is Nova Scotia's leading commercial and industrial center. The Port of Halifax is one of the busiest in Canada.
In 1996, Halifax amalgamated with several surrounding communities to form Halifax Regional Municipality.
As you are doubtless aware, the title of my first novel is “Halifax”. Can you guess to which definition: the Earl of Halifax, or Halifax the city, the book refers? I’m not going to tell you but you can check it out at bit.ly/JoanMauch
Next week, we’ll look at reasons you may want to put Halifax on your list of places to visit. I think you'll be surprised at how fascinating Halifax and Nova Scotia really are.