Fort Rodd Hill NHS commemorates the national significance of the Victoria-Esquimalt coast artillery fortress in the defence of Victoria and the naval base at Esquimalt harbour, as part of the larger defence strategy of the British Empire and Canada, 1878 to 1956. Fisgard Lighthouse NHS commemorates the national significance of the first lighthouse on Canada's west coast. Fisgard has been an important symbol of sovereignty-British, Colonial and Canadian-since 1860. Along with Race Rocks lighthouse, Fisgard provides a guide for mariners to Royal Roads anchorage, Esquimalt harbour and its naval base, and points the way to Victoria harbour.