McNabs Island, Halifax is the largest island in the Halifax Harbor. McNabs Island, Halifax played a major role in defending Halifax Harbor. Presently, McNabs Island is a provincial park.
In 1780 the island was first purchased by Peter McNab. The McNab family members lived on the island until 1934. The island was surveyed by the French Navy as a possible site for a fortified seaport prior to the selection of Louisbourg. After the establishment of Halifax in 1749, it was first known as Cornwallis Island.
McNabs Island consists of many forts belonging to the "Halifax Defense Complex" These include Fort Ives, Fort Hugonins, Sherbrooke Tower, and Fort McNab. Famous historic features on McNabs Island which can still be seen include the foundations of several houses constructed by early settlers, an aboriginal shell midden, a cemetery, remains of a turn of the century picnic ground and soda pop factory, and remains of former Victorian garden.
Other features found in the Island include the original McNab house, Martello Tower, and the main burial site of cholera victims from S.S. England.
Maugher Beach, which is renowned for its lighthouse is also known as the Hangman's Beach. It is so known because during wars the Royal Navy used it to hang the bodies of executed mutineers. This served as a warning to crews of ships entering the harbor that this was a port where they must take no liberties.
In 1851, Abraham Gesner used the light at Maughers Beach to test out the new fuel he had invented, kerosene, to replace whale oil. Careful recording of the efficiency of kerosene by Maughers Beach keeper David George helped establish the fuel for standard use.
McNabs Island's today has a total area of approximately 975 acres of land. The Province has 62 percent of the land under its control, the Federal Government has 35 percent, and 3 percent is privately owned.
A group called Friends of McNabs Island Society, a volunteer, non-profit, registered charity organisation; promotes McNabs Island as a Nature Park and Outdoor Classroom. The Society hosts events on McNabs Island such as picnics, nature and historical tours, and annual beach clean-ups.
travel.mapsofworld.com provides detailed information on McNabs Island, Halifax.
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