Nova Scotia Archives

Halifax and Its People / 1749-1999

"Scene of the Wreck Atlantic, at Prospect, April 1st, 1873"

The Victorians were enthusiastic sight-seers, with a melodramatic interest in disasters; they were also fascinated by both the intrinsic and commercial possibilities of the camera, which had arrived in Nova Scotia during the late 1850s. Outdoor photography was still a novelty in 1873, and Lower Prospect was far enough away from Halifax – and its physical setting suitably wild and 'romantic' – to provide for an exciting day-trip into drama and tragedy.

Photographer: W. Chase

Date: April 1873

Reference: W. Chase Nova Scotia Archives  no. 32  / negative: N-0720

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