History

This essay is intended to give an analysis of the Citadel Clock Tower in Halifax NS, Canada. Though constructed in the very long time back, the tower remains a significant national monument in Canada and will continue to be treasured both in Canada and internationally. This essay is intended to examine technology from a technical point of view by giving a description and evaluation of parts, and also from a cultural point of view through a cultural analysis and interpretation of parts.

Introduction
Historical Mark
The Citadel Clock Tower is one of the historical landmarks of Halifax NS, Canada. This clock was probably built during the late 1870s or in the early 1880s. The construction of this clock tower can be traced to Prince Edward who was a Duke of Kent who is said to have made arrangements for a turret clock to be manufactured for the Halifax garrison. The clock which became popularly known as The Town Clock formally started working on the 20th of October 1803, and has since been a significant clock and monument to the residents of Halifax for close to 191 years (Parks Canada, 2009).

Material
It is not very clear as to exactly what materials were used for the construction of the Citadel Clock tower. However, deducing from similar construction works that were undertaken during the same time period as the towers construction, it is possible that the tower was constructed with Bermuda cedar timber shipped from England. This is probably because the local rock which could have otherwise been used was not preferred since it was too heterogeneous. Cedar was also available in plenty and was generally more durable and highly resistant to weathering (Forbes, 2009).

Construction
The Citadel Clock Tower was constructed by the House of Vulliamy as fine piece of craftsmanship. The clock is manufactured as a going train mechanism consisting of an hour striking train, and a quarter striking train both situated in a cast-iron frame and located in the clock room just below the belfry. A going train mechanism used in this clock consists of a series of gears, escarpments, and weight that ensures that the 13 feet pendulum is kept in motion. This system is made in such a way that it wounds on a weekly basis (Parks Canada, 2009).  

Design
The Clock Tower has a three-tiered irregular octagon tower strategically placed on top of a building of classical Palladian proportions. The combination was then erected on the glacis that borders the Brunswick Street. The moving train mechanism requires that the Park staff winds the clock at least twice in a week so as to reduce stress in the mechanism. Though time has significantly weathered the tower, a restoration project started in early 1990 has since given the tower the original Georgian elegance design (Parks Canada, 2009).  

Function
Though it is not explicitly said, it is believed that the main reason why Prince Edward ordered for the construction of the Clock Tower was to serve as a historical monument. During its early years, the clock tower served as a guard room and a residence for the Halifax Park caretaker. This was however stopped in 1965. The existence of the clock has however given it a new function as the main town clock for the residents of Halifax. The Clock has been used for time keeping for the garrison for nearly the last 200 years (Parks Canada, 2009).  

Evaluation
The Citadel Clock Tower is highly valued in Halifax not only for its time keeping function but also for other reasons. The tower is so beautifully built that the residents of Halifax find it as a very scenic site. The aesthetical appeal of the tower has seen major preservation efforts being initiated in the early 1990s to ensure that it retains the original Georgian elegance. The government of Canada has also stepped in to ensure that this significant tower is preserved alongside other key national historic sites (Prentice, 2009).

According to the Canadian government, historical monuments like this clock tower deserve a very special place in the future as a means of appreciating, understanding and enjoyment of the economic well-being of the native communities and the vitality of the society. To ensure this historical goal is achieved, a culture of heritage conservation is being fostered for the full experience of the natural and cultural heritage. The Citadel Clock Tower is a significant aspect of these natural and cultural heritage values in Canada. This has been the basis for the approval of the tower as a National Historic Site in Canada (Prentice, 2009).

Cultural Analysis
The position of Halifax as the capital city of Nova Scotia and possibly the largest city in the Atlantic Province of Canada has very important significance. Given its origin as well as the rich maritime history, the city remains one of the worlds greatest natural harbors. As the main entry point for European migration into Canada during the late 19th and the early 20th century, Halifax has since been a very busy seaport with great significance to the economy and culture of eastern Canada (Wikitravel, 2009).

The Halifax Citadel Clock Tower stands out as the main landmark in this culturally rich city of the Atlantic Province. The choice for the location of this tower was probably intended to serve this busy port as the main guide clock. The tower is synonymous with it role for dividing the city into three district. This has seen the tower evolve to become a national historic site, a home to a museum, and a ceremonial garrison. These functions have made the clock tower to have immense cultural value in Halifax (Wikitravel, 2009).

Interpretation
The decision by Prince Edward to have the Citadel Clock Tower built in the Halifax Park was probably intended to be monumental to his reign as a Duke. The choice for the design was probably unintentional. However, what came up during its construction turned out to be of more relevance to the residence of Halifax that Prince Edward had intended. The decision to have the clock placed atop the tower has since given the tower added value. The choice for the location of the tower is also very significant. Situated at an entry port, the tower is bound to draw the attention of all the visitors to Halifax. It therefore became quit symbolic and actually an identity to the people of Halifax.

Though the tower has a very long history dating to the 1980s, the decision by the government to have it preserved and placed among the national monuments means that a lot of cultural value has been laid on this tower. It is such basis that this city clock has been serving the residents of Halifax for close to 200 years now. There is also a lot of attachment to the tower to an extent that that it is being used as a small ceremonial garrison. All these clearly show the commitment that the people of Halifax have on the tower, and that they would not wish to have it very easily forgotten.

The choice of the construction material by the builders also means that the tower was not only intended to be a temporary monument. Very durable Bermuda cedar was used with the sole intention of ensuring durability of the tower. This means that the builders had foreseen the future significance that the tower would have and thus choose to give it a long lasting touch. The Citadel Clock Tower in Halifax NS, Canada will for a long time continues to hold generational history not only to the residents of Halifax, but also to all the visitors of the park who happen to appreciate its aesthetic value.