Howe, Joseph National Historic Person

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Portrait of Joseph Howe (© Miscellaneous Collection | Collection diverse / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / C-021463)
Portrait
(© Miscellaneous Collection | Collection diverse / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / C-021463)
Address : 1726 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1983-11-18
Life Date: 1804 to 1873

Other Name(s):
  • Howe, Joseph  (Designation Name)

Importance: Journalist, orator and politician, he became lieutnant governor for Nova Scotia in 1873.

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  1726 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Born in Halifax, and largely self-educated, Joe Howe in 1827 became publisher of the Novascotian. By 1836 he was his province's leading journalist and orator and most ardent spokesman. Elected that year to the Assembly, he soon led the struggle which culminated in the achievement of responsible government in 1848. During the 1860s he was an eloquent opponent of Confederation until, in 1869, having negotiated "better terms" for Nova Scotia, he agreed to enter the federal cabinet. Shortly before his death in 1873, the "Tribune of Nova Scotia" became lieutenant governor of his beloved province.