Halifax Public Libraries

At the time of Confederation, Halifax was a busy commercial hub. Walking down historic Barrington Street, you might stop to watch a carriage painter or cabinet maker working on a new product, shop for wine and groceries in three different shops, stop off to browse the latest books from England or try on a new suit or dress. Halifax merchants viewed Confederation with trepidation, concerned by the potential competition with goods arriving from central Canada but also seeing the opportunity for an expanded market.

A horse-drawn street railway began in Halifax in 1866, called Halifax City Railroad; it ran along Water Street and Campbell Road and connected to the Richmond train depot.

Date: [19--]

Reference: Halifax Public Libraries Postcard Collection Halifax Central Library HPL-PC-0473

For more information, please contact the Local History Room at the Halifax Central Library.