This statue of the Founder of Halifax stands in a park at the corner of Barrington and South Streets, adjacent to the city's Via Rail train station and the Halifax Hilton hotel.

Edward Cornwallis founded Halifax in 1749 and became commander of His Majesty's forces in Nova Scotia at the time.  He arrived at Chebucto in the sloop of war Sphinx on June 21, 1749.  His purpose was to establish at the great harbour of Chebucto a new British town and garrison which would counter the French fortress at Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island.  The new town was named for the title of the chief Lord of Trade and Plantations at the time.  Cornwallis departed Halifax in 1752, three years after his arrival, in ill-health.

Cornwallis has become a controversial figure in Nova Scotia due to his harsh treatment of the Mi'kmaq.