Halifax Public Libraries

Since the settlement of Halifax, the 235 acres of the Halifax Commons, near the Citadel, has been used for a variety of purposes. The military used the space for exercises and drills, clashing with civilians who continued the English tradition of pasturing large livestock on common land.

By Confederation, progress had been made towards allocating portions of the land to build public service facilities, such as a much-needed new cemetery or a hospital. The space also attracted recreational or leisure activities, from horse racing, or circuses. On July 27, 1867, baseball fans watched the Halifax Baseball Club and the Independents teams play their first game in the city.

Date: 1911

Reference: Halifax Public Libraries Postcard Collection Halifax Central Library HPL-PC-0212

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