From the time of its founding in 1749 through to the late 19th century, Halifax was one of four principal overseas naval stations in the British Empire.  Military authorities built a system of coastal fortifications in and around this strategic port to defend the harbour and its approaches, with a mighty Citadel to serve as a command post and to ward off a landward attack.

The present Citadel was completed in 1856, and is the fourth in a series of forts to occupy the hill overlooking the town. 

At the height of its influence in the mid-Victorian era, the Citadel was the headquarters of one of the Halifax Garrison’s two infantry regiments and an important centre of operations in the garrison. This garrison consisted of many different British units over the course of its operation, who generally were posted to Halifax for a two year period. Two of these units were the 78th Highland Regiment of Foot and the 3rd Brigade, Royal Artillery.