Charlottetown (pop. 38,809), the capital of Prince Edward Island, is one of Canada’s most historic cities. In 1864, representatives from several British North American colonies met in Charlottetown and discussed plans to unite. This meeting led to the formation in 1867 of the Dominion of Canada. Charlottetown covers 17 square miles (44 square kilometers) on the southern coast of Prince Edward Island.
The Mi’kmaq people lived in the Charlottetown area before French colonists arrived there in 1720. The British founded Charlottetown in the 1760’s and made it the capital of the island. They named the city after Queen Charlotte of Britain.
Today, Charlottetown has a number of biotechnology, construction, information technology, and investment companies, as well as small manufacturing plants. Provincial and federal government agencies also provide jobs for many people in the city’s work force. The main office of Veterans Affairs Canada is in Charlottetown. A convention center stands along the city’s waterfront. Charlottetown is also a port of call for cruise ships.
Charlottetown has a number of tourist attractions. Its Confederation Centre of the Arts has several theaters, an art gallery, a public library, a restaurant, and a gift shop. The Confederation Chamber in Province House, where the historic 1864 meeting took place, is known as the Birthplace of Canada.
Charlottetown is the home of the University of Prince Edward Island and the university’s Atlantic Veterinary College. The city has a mayor-council form of government.
