Deadman's Island, Halifax

A visitor reads a plaque on Deadman's Island which commemorates 195 American servicemen who died in captivity at a nearby prison on Melville Island during the War of 1812.

Deadman's Island is a small peninsula containing a cemetery and park located in the Northwest Arm of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia, Canada.

It was first known as "Target Island" after use by the British military for target practice. The island was used by the British military during the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812 for interring prisoners of war from a prison on nearby Melville Island. French, Spanish and 195 American soldiers and sailors died at the facility and were buried in unmarked graves, thus giving the island its name. In the early 20th century a dance hall operated on the island.

Deadman's Island Park was established in 2005 by the Halifax Regional Municipality to protect the site. A large plaque was installed at the same time to mark the graves of American servicemen.

References

Secondary Sources

• John Boileau. 2005. Half-hearted Enemies: Nova Scotia: New England and the War of 1812. Formac Press.

Endnotes