Province House (Prince Edward Island) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Province House |
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Province House is Prince Edward Island's provincial legislature and a National Historic Site
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Roman/Greek Revival |
| Address | 165 Richmond Street |
| Town or city | Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |
| Country | Canada |
| Construction started | 1843 |
| Inaugurated | 1847 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Isaac Smith |
| Official name: Province House National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1973 |
| Type: | Designated Heritage Place |
| Designated: | 2004 |
Province House is a very important building in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is where the provincial government, called the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island, has met since 1847. This historic building is located in Charlottetown and is one of the oldest government buildings in Canada.
Contents
Building Province House
How Province House Was Built
The first stone for Province House was laid in May 1843. The building was finished and opened in January 1847. It cost about £10,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then!
The building was designed by Isaac Smith. He was an architect who taught himself. He also designed the home for the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. Local craftspeople from the island built Province House. They worked during a time when the colony was doing very well.
Architecture and Design
The design of Province House shows influences from ancient Greek and Roman styles. These styles were very popular for public buildings in North America during that time. You can see these classic looks in its columns and grand appearance.
Province House and Canadian History
The Charlottetown Conference
Province House played a huge role in Canadian history. From September 1 to 7, 1864, it hosted the Charlottetown Conference. This meeting was very important because it led to the creation of Canadian Confederation. This is when Canada became a country.
Restoring Province House
In 1973, Parks Canada and the government of Prince Edward Island agreed to work together. They wanted to manage and restore Province House because of its historical importance. Parks Canada spent $3.5 million (CAD) to restore the building between 1979 and 1983.
Part of the building was restored to look like it did in 1864. The provincial government still uses one part of the building. Another part, called the Confederation Chamber, shows the room where the Charlottetown Conference meetings happened.
Recent History and Repairs
In 1995, there was an incident that caused damage to the building. Windows were broken, and there was some minor structural damage. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt.
In 2015, Province House was closed for major repairs and conservation work. This work is expected to take several years. While the building is being fixed, the provincial government meets in a nearby building.
Province House as a Historic Site
National Historic Site Status
Province House was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1973. This means it is recognized as a place of great importance to Canada's history. Only a few provincial government buildings have this special title. Province House is also protected under a local law called the Heritage Places Protection Act.
Visiting Province House
When Province House is open, visitors can take tours. You can see rooms that look like they did in the 1860s. There are displays about the Charlottetown Conference and the building itself. You can also watch a video about the Conference called "A Great Dream."
Monuments and Memorials
Honoring Heroes
In front of Province House, on Grafton Street, you can see the Charlottetown Veterans Memorial. This memorial has three bronze soldiers. It honors soldiers from Prince Edward Island who died in the two World Wars and the Korean War.
There is also a Boer War Memorial on the side of the building. It honors members of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Fathers of Confederation Plaques
Along the side of Province House, you will find plaques honoring the province's Fathers of Confederation. These are the important people from Prince Edward Island who helped create Canada. They include:
- Edward Whelan
- Thomas Heath Haviland
- Edward Palmer
- John Hamilton Gray
- Andrew Archibald Macdonald
- William Henry Pope
- George Coles
Eckhart the Mouse
You might also spot a small statue of Eckhart the Mouse on the grounds. Eckhart is a character from David Weale's children's story, The True Meaning of Crumbfest.
Images for kids
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Province House is Prince Edward Island's provincial legislature and a National Historic Site
See also
In Spanish: Province House (Isla del Príncipe Eduardo) para niños
