Prince Edward Battery, Charlottetown

Prince Edward Battery, originally constructed in 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars, served as a strategic British colonial defense facing Charlottetown Harbour. Positioned at Battery Point-also known as Governor’s Point-it was a key part of the town’s harbor defense system, designed to guard against maritime threats, though the cannons were never used in actual combat and solely operated for military exercises and ceremonial purposes.

Over more than a century, the battery underwent several transformations. Initially armed with 12-pounder cannons, it was upgraded to 18-pounders by the War of 1812. Decommissioned in 1855, it was brought back to life in 1865 amid fears of Fenian raids, with the addition of 9-pounder cannons and masonry magazine structures. Later upgrades included 32-pounders and, by the early 1900s, 64-pounder RML guns-though by then the site was already on its way to obsolescence and was formally deactivated around 1905.

Today, the battery features a well-preserved display of nine period guns-including both iron and wooden ship-style mountings-and a restored powder magazine from the 1860s. Informative signage helps bring the site’s military and colonial heritage to life. Visitors also enjoy sweeping views of Charlottetown Harbour, making it an ideal spot for photography, spotting passing cruise liners, or watching occasional ceremonial gun salutes.