Halifax is founded

June 21, 1749 – Edward Cornwallis on the HMS Sphinx arrives in Chebucto basin on his way to Annapolis; reports to London that “The coasts are as rich as ever they have been represented; we caught fish every day since we came … The harbour itself is full of fish of all kinds. All the officers agree the harbour [Halifax] is the finest they have seen. The country is one continued wood; no clear spot is to be seen or heard of.” Governor Cornwallis begins scouting a site for the settlement; Point Pleasant rejected because of shallow water.