Municipalities across the Island have preserved churches, monuments, and historic buildings that commemorate the growth of their communities. In recognition of their historical importance or uniqueness of design, many of these sites have been designated national historic sites and are adorned with plaques that present their story. Many accomplished persons in provincial, national, and international politics, military service, art, education, and medicine are honoured with memorials in communities throughout the province.

Historic Buildings
Prince Edward Island’s Lieutenant Governor’s residence was built in 1833–1834 by Isaac Smith, Henry Smith, and Nathan Wright. Government House’s neo-classical design provides an elegant setting for formal Island gatherings and welcoming visiting dignitaries.

Summerside’s current City Hall building was built from 1883–1886 to serve as the town post office. The structure was designed by Thomas Fuller, Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works (1881–1886).

One of the finest homes built in pre-confederation Canada, Fairholm on Fitzroy Street in Charlottetown was constructed in 1839 for Thomas H. Haviland. It is a rare example of early brick construction in Prince Edward Island.

The Alberton Court House (1878) was one of six circuit court houses built in Island communities with the passage of the 1873 County Courts Act. Today, it houses the Alberton Museum.

Charlottetown City Hall has the distinction of being the oldest municipal hall in Prince Edward Island. Built in 1888, it was designed by Phillips and Chappell in the Romanesque Revival style.

An outstanding example of residential architecture is recognized in the Dalvay-by-the-Sea hotel in Grand Tracadie. The structure, designed by Alexander MacDonald of Cincinnati, was originally built as a summer house in Queen Anne Revival Style between 1896 and 1899.

At the corner of Queen and Grafton Streets, in Charlottetown a plaque marks the site of Hughes Drug Store/Apothecaries Hall, which opened on Christmas Eve, 1810. The original building was replaced by the current brick structure in 1900.

Historic Churches
Many of Prince Edward Island’s historic churches built in the mid-to-late nineteenth century are fine examples of High Victorian Gothic Revival. Three notable examples, all designed by distinguished Island architect William Critchlow Harris, Jr. are the All Souls Chapel 1884 in St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Tryon United Church (1881), and St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Indian River.

St. Mary’s Church was completed in 1902 and was designed in the French Gothic Style. In addition to being the largest wood church in Prince Edward Island, it is acoustically pure. This unique and wondrous characteristic makes it the ideal location for the annual Indian River Music Festival that takes place between June and September. The church is also the frequent site of musical recordings.

St. Andrew’s Chapel, near Mount Stewart was built in 1803. In 1864, it was transported down the frozen Hillsborough River to become a girls’ school in Charlottetown. It was returned to its original site in 1990 and is now being restored.

St. Dunstan’s Basilica was erected between 1897 and 1907. Consecrated and elevated to the status of basilica in 1929, it is another spectacular example of the High Victorian Gothic style in Canadian architecture.

For a list of historic churches follow this link.

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