223 HALIFAX
5 & 6 – Melville Island and Deadman ’ s
Melville Island and Deadman ’ s Island are situated on the south side of Halifax on the city ’ s Northwest Arm , about a 10-minute drive from the downtown core . Historically linked , these islands are positioned on either side of a small cove known as Deadman ’ s Cove .
The importance of the islands ’ history lies in their role as a wartime prison , medical facility , immigration quarantine centre and a place of rest of nearly 400 individuals , the islands offer a rare glimpse into the history of the province .
Melville Island entered Canadian military history when prisoners of war were detained there in the late 1790s . It continued in this capacity throughout the War of 1812 , and again from 1909 until 1939 . As a result of Britain ’ s international agreements with respect to treatment of prisoners , Melville Island also became a medical facility for enemy detainees . The island later played a role in early immigration into Canada as a quarantine centre , and served as a British military prison for soldiers charged with military offenses .
Today , a plaque can be found on Deadman ’ s Island which commemorates 195 American servicemen who died in captivity in the former prison on Melville Island during the War of 1812 .