Henry Island Lighthouse

The building is a red and white vertically striped octagonal timber tower, 56 feet (17 m) high. The light is a white flash and is electric.

Light Details

Location: West side of island, 6km off Port Hood
Automated: All operating lights in Nova Scotia are automated.
Date Automated: Automated by 1993
Began: 1902
Year Lit: 1902
Engineer: Joseph MacDonald
Structure Type: Octagonal wood tower, white & red vertical stripes

History Items for This Lighthouse

1902 - built at a cost of $3,489, when built 53ft, 22m, catatropic lens
1922 - 1941 - catatropic lens, group flashing white (30s), 53ft, 240ft
1966 - 4th order dioptric lens installed
1985 - electrified

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Contributor: Kathy Brown
Photographs: Courtesy Bertie Smith
Sources: NSLPS Database, List of Lights 1989, Gulf and River St. Lawrence Pilot, 1985.

History

The engineer for the building of the light, which cost $3,489, was Joseph MacDonald. Originally it had a catatropic lens which was changed to a 4th order dioptric lens in 1966.

The light was electrified in 1985. It is now solarized, automated and unwatched.

The Light Today

Henry Island has been privately owned since 1992. The lightkeeper's house, which had been completely vandalized has been restored to its original condition. The surrounding area has been cleared and grassed. The light is still maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard.

The island is maintained by the Henry Island Preservation Society, an Affiliate Member of the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society. Trips can be made to the island by appointment. Landings are always weather permitting.

Contact: Donald MacDonald, president of the Henry Island Lighthouse Preservation Society,
Port Hood Island, NS, B0E 2W0.
Telephone (902) 631-3740

More about Henry Island Lighthouse on the Henry Island Preservation Society Website.