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Melville Island and Deadman's Island National Historic Site

Discover Halifax's dark history at Melville & Deadman's Islands: prisoner of war camp, refuge, and final resting place, now a national historic site.

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Explore the intertwined history of Melville and Deadman's Islands, National Historic Sites in Halifax. Once a prisoner of war camp, medical facility, and quarantine center, these islands offer a glimpse into colonial-era wartime conditions and early immigration. Today, Melville Island hosts a yacht club, while Deadman's Island serves as a memorial park, honoring those who died in captivity.

A brief summary to Melville Island and Deadman’s Island National Historic Site

  • Melville Island, Halifax, Armdale, Nova Scotia, CA

Local tips

  • Explore Deadman's Island Park for a reflective experience and to pay respects to those buried there.
  • Visit the Armdale Yacht Club on Melville Island, but remember its historical significance as a former prison.
  • Take a walk along the Melville Cove trail for scenic views of the Northwest Arm and the islands.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Deadman's Island Park is accessible via a well-marked path from Pinehaven Drive in Armdale. From the street, a short, steep path leads down to the park entrance. Melville Island, home to the Armdale Yacht Club, is a short walk west along the shore.

  • Public Transport

    Several Halifax Transit bus routes serve the Armdale area. From the bus stop, follow Pinehaven Drive to access Deadman's Island Park. Melville Island/Armdale Yacht Club is a short walk away.

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Discover more about Melville Island and Deadman’s Island National Historic Site

Melville Island and Deadman's Island, situated on the Northwest Arm of Halifax, Nova Scotia, share a grim yet significant history as a National Historic Site of Canada. These islands represent Nova Scotia's role in the British Admiralty's system of war prisons. Melville Island, originally known as Kavanagh's Island, was transformed into a military hospital in 1795 and later a prisoner of war camp in 1804, housing French, and later, American prisoners during the War of 1812. Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions led to disease outbreaks, with the deceased buried on nearby Deadman's Island. Following the War of 1812, Melville Island served as a refuge for Black refugees escaping slavery, offering them medical care and provisions. The island also functioned as a quarantine center for immigrants, particularly during the Irish potato famine. Deadman's Island, separated from Melville Island by Deadman's Cove, is the final resting place for an estimated 400 individuals who died on Melville Island between 1803 and 1856. Today, Deadman's Island is a park with a memorial commemorating the American soldiers and sailors who died in British custody during the War of 1812. Today, Melville Island is home to the Armdale Yacht Club, a popular marina with few visible reminders of its past.

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