Tale of 2 Doyles: Who knocked the heads off the eagles at Province House?

The Nova Scotia Legislature holds a rich history, with tales of intrigue and mystery often shared during guided tours. One such story involves Lawrence O’Connor Doyle, an MLA in the late 1830s who allegedly took drastic action in response to a forestry dispute between the United States and New Brunswick during the Aroostook War.

Legend has it that Doyle, incensed by the American involvement in the dispute, vandalized American symbols on display at Province House in Halifax. Specifically, he is said to have used his walking stick to decapitate the plaster eagles adorning the building. These eagles, some still intact and some missing their heads, remain a curious sight for visitors to this day.

However, a recent discovery has cast doubt on Doyle’s role in the incident. Another Doyle, Lt.-Gov. Charles Hastings Doyle, who served as Nova Scotia’s lieutenant-governor from 1867 to 1873, has emerged as a potential culprit. This Doyle, a military man known for his defense of Canada against Irish immigrants during the Fenian raids, reportedly questioned the presence of American eagles in Her Majesty’s house and proceeded to behead them with his sword.

The conflicting accounts of the headless eagles have added a layer of intrigue to Province House’s folklore. While it remains unclear which Doyle was responsible for the vandalism, the stories continue to captivate tourists and locals alike. Efforts to uncover concrete evidence of the true perpetrator are ongoing.

Despite the historical tensions symbolized by the headless eagles, there is no fear of further vandalism. As the United States and Canada navigate current challenges, including impending tariffs, the remaining eagles are unlikely to suffer the same fate. David McDonald, head librarian at the Nova Scotia Legislature, humorously assures that he has no plans to emulate the Doyles and remove the heads of the American eagles.

The mystery of the headless eagles at Province House endures, a testament to the building’s storied past and the characters who have left their mark on its history. Visitors can marvel at these unique decorations and ponder the tales of defiance and patriotism that surround them.