South End in Halifax in Halifax Region, Nova Scotia — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)

Government House

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 2009

1. Government House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Constructed between 1799 and 1805 under the superintendence of architect-builder Isaac Hildrith, this is one of the oldest official residences in Canada. The combination of building material, craftsmanship, scale and style made it an ambitious project for the young colony. Its completion represented a personal triumph for Governor Sir John Wentworth, but its construction expenses provided a focus for opposition to him. The classical design, rusticated lower storey, and projecting wings with semi-circular bays were typical features of a gentleman's residence in rural England in the late 18th century.

Construite entre 1799 et 1805 sous la direction de l'architecte entrepreneur Isaac Hildrith, Government House est l'une des plus vieilles résidences officielles du pays. Projet ambitieux pour la jeune colonie tant par les matériaux que par la qualité du travail, la taille et le style, sa réalisation représenta un triomphe personnel pour le gouverneur, sir John Wentworth, malgré l'opposition suscitée par le coût de la construction. Son dessin classique, son rez-de-chaussée rustiqué et ses ailes en

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saillie avec baies en demi-cercle sont caractéristiques de la gentilhommière anglaise de la fin du XVIIIe siècle.

Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.

Location. 44° 38.6′ N, 63° 34.316′ W. Marker is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Halifax Region. It is in South End. It is on Barrington Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1451 Barrington Street, Halifax NS B3J 1Z2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Maritimes

and in Atlantic Canada.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

and Acadia.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Why Aren’t We Americans? • Pourquoi ne sommes-nous pas des Américains? (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Burying Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old Burying Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Old Burying Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); The Welsford Parker Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (within shouting distance of

Government House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 2009

2. Government House

this marker); Black-Binney House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mr. John Samwell (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Halifax.

Also see . . . Government House (Nova Scotia) (Wikipedia). (Submitted on December 17, 2025.)

Government House, Halifax image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Montreal Import Company, circa 1905

3. Government House, Halifax

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. 3. submitted on December 17, 2025. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.