Signal Hill, St. John's facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Signal Hill |
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| Location | St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
| Governing body | Parks Canada |
| Website | Signal Hill National Historic Site |
| Signal Hill | |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 167 m (548 ft) |
| Prominence | c. 167 m (548 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | St. John's |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | hillwalking |
Signal Hill is a famous hill in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It offers amazing views of the city and its harbour. Most of Signal Hill, including the well-known Cabot Tower, is a special place called a National Historic Site. The very top of the hill, known as Ladies' Lookout, is about 167 meters high.
Because of its perfect spot overlooking "The Narrows" (the only way into the harbour), people have built forts here since the mid-1600s. Signal Hill is also famous for a huge moment in communication history. On December 12, 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first ever wireless message sent across the Atlantic Ocean right here!
Close to the historic site, you can find the Johnson Geo Centre. This is a cool place to learn about the Earth. The community of The Battery sits on the side of the hill, looking over the harbour. Also, Memorial University of Newfoundland has a campus on the lower part of the hill.
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The History of Signal Hill
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Signal Hill played a key role in history. It was the site of the very last battle of the Seven Years' War in North America. This happened in 1762 during the Battle of Signal Hill. British forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel William Amherst, won the battle. The French then gave up St. John's to the British.
After the battle, Amherst renamed the hill "The Lookout" to "Signal Hill." This new name came from the important signalling that happened there. From the 1600s all the way until 1960, flags were used to send messages between land and ships at sea from the top of the hill.
In the late 1700s, Signal Hill became the main fortress for St. John's. This was during its first period of construction.
Signal Hill's Role in Wars
During the 1800s, soldiers were stationed at Signal Hill during the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War. A second phase of building took place, including the Queen's Battery Barracks. This building has been carefully restored to look just as it did in 1862.
American soldiers also used Signal Hill during World War II. They placed anti-aircraft guns on the hill to protect the area. Large railway guns were set up there in 1941.
Cabot Tower and Wireless Communication
Construction on Cabot Tower began in 1897. It was built to celebrate two big events. One was Queen Victoria's 60th year as queen in 1897. The other was the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's arrival in North America in 1497. The tower officially opened in 1900.
Cabot Tower was used for flag signalling to ships. It also housed a Marconi wireless station. This station later moved to St. John's International Airport.
Marconi's Historic Transmission
On December 12, 1901, a truly amazing event happened. Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless transmission. He was in an old hospital building on Signal Hill at the time. The message was sent in Morse code from his Poldhu Wireless Station in Cornwall, United Kingdom. This was a huge step forward for communication around the world!
Signal Hill National Historic Site
Signal Hill is a special place protected as a National Historic Site. This means it's important to Canadian history and is looked after for everyone to enjoy.
Signal Hill Tattoo Show
The Signal Hill Tattoo is a fantastic show that brings history to life! Performers dress in military uniforms from different periods. These include the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Foot from 1812, their band from 1795, and the regiment from 1917.
The soldiers show off the drills and battle moves from those times. The Artillery team also fires cannons, adding to the exciting show. It's a great way to see what military life was like long ago.
Visiting Cabot Tower
Cabot Tower, at the top of the hill, has exhibits about Guglielmo Marconi. You can learn about his work and the wireless station that was once inside the tower. There's also a gift shop where you can find souvenirs.
If you're an amateur radio operator, you might even get to use the VO1AA radio station in the summer! Another radio repeater, VO1AAA 146.790+, works all year round from the tower. There's even a tourist information radio station, CJSH-FM, that broadcasts from Signal Hill.
Visitor Centre at Signal Hill
The visitor centre is open during the tourist season. It has cool interactive exhibits and a film. This film tells the story of Signal Hill's military and communication history. It also shares the history of St. John's. There's even a cafe where you can grab a snack.
Exploring the Trails
Signal Hill has several trails for you to explore.
- The North Head Trail runs along the edge of St. John's Harbour and the sea. It offers beautiful ocean views.
- The Lady's Lookout Trail goes steeply down from Lady's Lookout. This is the highest point of Signal Hill, above Cabot Tower. It leads to the Burma Road trail.
- There's also a short trail that takes you to the top of Gibbet Hill.
The Burma Road trail was built by American soldiers during World War II. It goes from George's Pond to Cuckold's Cove, near Quidi Vidi. There used to be barracks along this trail.
The Johnson GEO Park also has eight looped trails. These trails have outdoor displays that teach you about the local rocks, plants, and how stone was traditionally used. The park was finished in 2007 and connects to the Grand Concourse walkway system.
Images for kids
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View from Signal Hill
See also
