The Public Gardens
Halifax has been the scene of many "firsts" in Canada. These eighteen acres, comprising one of Canada's most attractive Victorian public gardens, derived from an earlier site, part of the original Common, chosen for the Gardens in 1841, the year of incorporation as a city. It was the fashion of that time to be seen walking in the Gardens and enjoying the music supplied by military bands. About 1859, a further attraction was added: the first indoor skating rink in Canada was erected where the pavilion now stands.
A public lawn tennis court, again the first of its kind in Canada, was established in the Public Gardens, and the first of many public concerts was held, as they are still held today. Deer, which were then numerous, were relocated, and the handsome wrought iron gates at the main entrance, bearing Halifax's original coat of arms, were installed in 1890.
Trees are treasured in Halifax. The Public Gardens have been the supply source for many trees that now beautify public spaces in Halifax. Some trees planted by the earliest settlers are still thriving, to the city's joy.
this page online
Erected 2000 by The Halifax Foundation and Halifax Regional Municipality.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.
Location. 44° 38.654′ N, 63° 34.858′ W. Marker is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Halifax Region. Marker is just inside the Public Garden's NE corner entrance, near the intersection of South Park and Sackville Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax NS B3J 3S9, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to the Public Gardens (here, next to this marker); Boer War Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); HMCS Sackville K-181 (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Horticulture Hall, post-1945 (about 210 meters away); Unveiling, Jubilee Fountain / Inauguration, Fontaine du Jubilé (about 240 meters away); "Hamilton" Flower-bed arrangement (about 240 meters away); Public Garden Foundation Fountain (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Summer House / Pavillon d'été (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Halifax.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 312 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 15, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
