The city of Dartmouth, dubbed the city of lakes, was founded in 1750.  Dartmouth's first citizens arrived on the ship Alderny, but Halifax city council decided they should settle opposite the Halifax Harbour.  The community was initially known as "Boonamoogwaddy," but was later changed to Dartmouth, an English name honouring William Legge, the first Earl of Dartmouth and formerly under Queen Anne as a nobleman.
 
Dartmouth was amalgamated in 1996, but to this day, still is known as Dartmouth.  Though the city was dissolved, it's still independent of Halifax is the sense that mapping, planning, 911 service, and Canada Post all continue to treat Dartmouth as its own city.  Confusion in street names, as well as public outcry were key factors in deeming Dartmouth its own community, minus its addition to the single-tier municipality of Halifax.
 
Dartmouth is home to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, the Maritime Fiddle Festival, the Quaker House, the Alderney Landing and the Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival.
 
Dartmouth offers many hotels, bed and breakfasts, as well as a beautiful waterfront view of downtown Halifax.