The Charlottetown Conference

The Charlottetown Conference in 1864 was a gathering of representatives from the British North American colonies—primarily Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island—to discuss uniting into a single country. It was a foundational step toward Confederation, motivated by economic benefits, defense concerns, and political stability. Although initially focused on maritime union, the discussions expanded to include the possibility of creating a larger, more unified nation. This conference set the stage for further negotiations, ultimately leading to the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867.