Explore the history of the Halifax Explosion at Fort Needham Memorial Park

About This Experience

Visit North End Halifax’s Fort Needham Memorial Park and discover the stories of the infamous Halifax Explosion in this quiet hilltop park, nestled into the heart of the historic Hydrostone District.

The park is situated at one of the highest points in the area, providing visitors with magnificent views of the city and harbour. Park visitors can also enjoy the new children’s playground, picnic tables, open sports field, wooded areas, and off-leash dog area.

THE HALIFAX EXPLOSION

The Halifax Explosion was a maritime disaster that occurred in Halifax, Nova Scotia on the morning of December 6, 1917. A deadly communications error resulted in the collision of two ships in the harbour, one of them a munitions shop loaded with explosives bound for the battlefield of the First World War.

Just before 9:05 a.m. the cargo onboard the Mont Blanc exploded, unleashing a force more powerful than anything wrought by humankind before the detonation of the atomic bomb.

Over 1900 people were killed, and another 9000 were maimed or blinded. Both Dartmouth and Halifax suffered extensive damage. The Mi’kmaq settlement at Turtle Grove was completely destroyed.

MARKERS

As part of the 100th Anniversary project in 2017, 12 markers were installed throughout the municipality, recognizing the profound impact of the Halifax Explosion and how the reverberations of the explosion continue to shape the consciousness of this place and its people.

Installed in select locations throughout the city, a series of iconic sculptural markers commemorate and explore the events of the Halifax Explosion. The following Markers can be found in Fort Needham Memorial Park:

• Marker 10: Bearing Witness
• Marker 11: The Will to Rebuild
• Marker 12: Toward The Future

MAP & COMMEMORATIVE ELEMENTS