In World War Two, the area around Chebucto Head, including Duncans Cove, became a fortified coastal battery armed with three Elswick 6 inch naval guns.

For these cannon, a four-story concrete director tower was built near the eastern shore of Duncans Cove with a long-range optical rangefinder installed on the top floor.

One of those families embarked upon a decades-long construction project of unconventionally shaped timber-framed dwellings, and even had a small private airstrip.

The landmark gunnery director tower stood derelict for many years, until finally passing into private hands in the 1990s.

[2] A portion of the coastline near Duncans Cove has been designated as a Nature Reserve by the Province of Nova Scotia.

[3] A hiking trail runs through the southern portion of this nature reserve past two of the former World War Two fortifications, and is well-used due to its proximity to downtown Halifax.

[5] The lighthouse included a launch ramp for a lifeboat, as well as an old naval carronade for firing blank charges as a crude foghorn.