Charlottetown history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the area where Charlottetown is now located began long before the arrival of Europeans. Initially, these lands were inhabited by the indigenous Mi'kmaq people. The European chapter of the city's history opened in 1720, when French settlers founded the fortress of Port-la-Joie. This settlement served as an administrative centre and the gateway to the island.

The city received its modern name after the island came under British control. In 1764, Captain Samuel Holland selected this site as the capital of the colony and named it in honour of Queen Charlotte, the consort of King George III. Since then, the city began to develop as an administrative hub.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of Charlottetown into the principal city of Prince Edward Island was driven by several strategic advantages:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated at the confluence of three rivers (Hillsborough, York, and North River), forming a natural and protected harbour. This made it an ideal location for shipping and trade.
• Political Will: The decision by British authorities to move the administrative centre to Charlottetown ensured an influx of officials, military personnel, and infrastructure investment.
• Planning: The city was designed with a clear grid system of streets and large squares (including the famous Queen Square), laying the foundation for organised urban growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its existence, Charlottetown's economy relied on its status as an administrative hub, as well as on agriculture and fishing in the surrounding areas. As the capital, the city attracted merchants and artisans catering to the needs of the garrison and the colonial government.

Cultural life was shaped by British traditions but retained characteristics of the frontier. A significant milestone was the development of educational and religious institutions, which began to appear as the population grew, transforming a military outpost into a fully-fledged city with a developed society.

Major Milestones in Charlottetown's History

• 1720 — French colonists found the settlement of Port-la-Joie, the predecessor to the modern city.
• 1758 — During the Seven Years' War, British forces seize control of the island, displacing the French administration.
• 1764 — Captain Samuel Holland approves the site for the new colonial capital and names it Charlottetown in honour of Queen Charlotte.
• 1775 — During the American Revolutionary War, the city is subjected to a daring raid by American privateers.
• 1847 — Construction of Province House is completed; the legislative assembly building remains in use by the government to this day.
• 1855 — Charlottetown is officially incorporated, receives city status, and elects its first mayor.
• 1864 — The famous Charlottetown Conference takes place, where colonial leaders discuss the creation of the Canadian Confederation.
• 1873 — Prince Edward Island joins the Dominion of Canada, and Charlottetown becomes the capital of the new province.
• 1964 — The Confederation Centre of the Arts is grandly opened in the city to honour the 100th anniversary of the historic conference.
• 1995 — A large-scale amalgamation occurs with neighbouring communities (Sherwood, Parkdale, etc.), significantly increasing the city's territory and population.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The evolution of Charlottetown is the story of a colonial port transforming into a modern cultural and educational centre. The following key stages played a decisive role in shaping the economy and urban landscape:

• Shipbuilding Era (Mid-19th Century): During this period, the city experienced an economic boom. Charlottetown became a major centre for building sailing ships, which brought significant wealth to local merchants. This prosperity was reflected in the architecture: it was then that many of the majestic Victorian mansions adorning the historic centre today were built.
• Development of Railway Connections (Late 19th Century): The construction of the Prince Edward Island Railway made Charlottetown the province's main transport hub. This strengthened the city's status as a centre for trade and goods distribution, linking the port with rural areas of the island.
• Cultural Renaissance (1964): The opening of the Confederation Centre of the Arts was a turning point in urban planning. The construction of a massive Brutalist-style complex in the very heart of the historic district sparked debate but forever changed the cultural landscape, creating a main stage for national-level theatrical and museum events.
• Educational Transformation (1969): The creation of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) through the merger of two colleges gave the city a powerful boost. The emergence of a major university attracted young people, stimulated the development of a research base, and rejuvenated the demographic composition of the population.
• Municipal Reform (1995): The amalgamation (merger) of Charlottetown with the neighbouring communities of Sherwood, Parkdale, West Royalty, and others radically changed the city's boundaries. This allowed for the centralisation of municipal services, improved urban planning, and a significantly increased tax base for implementing major infrastructure projects.
• Port Modernisation and Cruise Tourism (2000s): The reconstruction of the waterfront and the expansion of port facilities enabled the accommodation of large cruise liners. This reoriented part of the city's economy towards international tourism, stimulating the development of the service sector and retail trade in the coastal zone.

Urban Planning Foundation: 18th Century Heritage

The architectural skeleton of Charlottetown was formed back in 1764, when Captain Samuel Holland developed the city's master plan. His vision, known as the "500 Lot Plan," was distinguished by clarity and foresight, defining the capital's development for centuries to come.

A key feature of this layout was a system of five squares: the central Queen Square, where administrative buildings are concentrated, and four green park squares (Hillsborough, Pownal, Rochford, and Connaught), located symmetrically in residential quarters. This structure has been preserved to this day, making the city centre spacious and convenient for pedestrians.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The appearance of Charlottetown is a harmonious blend of British colonial traditions, Victorian luxury, and bold 20th-century solutions. The main stylistic directions correlate clearly with the stages of the island's economic development:

• Neoclassicism (Palladianism): Dominated in the first half of the 19th century. The most striking example is Province House, built from local sandstone. The building features strict symmetry, columns, and elegant proportions, embodying British imperial stability.
• Gothic Revival (Neo-Gothic): A style popular in the Victorian era, especially in church architecture. The majestic St. Dunstan's Basilica, with its soaring spires and lancet windows, serves as the main dominant feature of the city skyline.
• Second Empire (Eclecticism): This style became a symbol of prosperity during the shipbuilding boom (1860–1880s). Wealthy merchants built mansions with characteristic mansard roofs and decorative elements. A fine example is the Beaconsfield Historic House, demonstrating the luxury of that era.
• Brutalism (Modernism): In the 1960s, the city received a bold architectural contrast in the form of the Confederation Centre of the Arts. The massive structure of concrete and sandstone with geometric shapes stands out sharply against the background of historic buildings, symbolising the city's entry into the modern era.

Preservation of the Historic Environment

A distinctive feature of Charlottetown is its careful attitude towards the historic centre. The area of Great George Street represents a true open-air museum, where dense red brick and wood construction creates the atmosphere of the 19th century.

Modern urban planning focuses on the revitalisation of the waterfront zone. Former industrial shipyards are being transformed into public spaces, parks, and recreation areas, such as Victoria Row — a pedestrian street where ancient warehouse facades now serve as storefronts for restaurants and galleries.

Historical Figures and Politicians

• George Coles — Politician, first Premier of Prince Edward Island.
  A native of Charlottetown and one of the "Fathers of Confederation." Coles was a key figure in establishing responsible government on the island and actively participated in discussions regarding the unification of Canada.
• John Hamilton Gray — Colonial Premier, military officer.
  Served as the Premier of Prince Edward Island during the famous Charlottetown Conference of 1864, over which he presided. His estate, "Inkerman House," is one of the city's historical landmarks.
• William Henry Pope — Lawyer, journalist, and politician.
  Known for personally greeting the delegates of the 1864 conference on a boat when they arrived in Charlottetown Harbour. He was an active supporter of Confederation and a prominent figure in the urban community.

Figures of Art and Literature

• Robert Harris — Portrait painter.
  Although born in Wales, Harris grew up in Charlottetown. He became one of the most famous Canadian artists, creating the canonical painting "The Fathers of Confederation," capturing the participants of the historic meeting in the city.
• Lucy Maud Montgomery — Writer.
  Author of the world-famous book "Anne of Green Gables." In her youth, she lived in Charlottetown and studied at Prince of Wales College (now part of UPEI), which had a significant influence on her work.
• Milton Acorn — Poet and playwright.
  A Charlottetown native who received the unofficial title of "The People's Poet of Canada." His work, often touching on social themes, was deeply connected to the life of the working class of the Maritimes.

Contemporaries and Athletes

• Mike McPhee — Ice Hockey Player (NHL).
  Born in Charlottetown. He had a successful career in the National Hockey League, winning the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986.
• Catherine Callbeck — Politician and Senator.
  Became the first woman in Canadian history to be elected as a provincial premier (Prince Edward Island) in a general election. Her political career is closely tied to the provincial capital.