According to H. W. Hewitt, a schoolteacher and author of numerous articles on the history of Eastern Passage, a group of Halifax sportsmen went to the island for a night and ended up staying a few days longer than planned after an episode of bad weather.

In 1837, a wooden beacon painted white was erected on the southern point of the island as a navigational aid, but because it was only visible during the day time, in 1851 a Halifax group made up of merchants, traders, and sea mariners presented a petition to the lieutenant-governor for a lighthouse to be built which the Assembly approved.

In 1967, an automatic beacon flashing white was installed making the lighthouse keeper unnecessary, and all permanent human habitation on the island ceased after this event.

Families in nearby Eastern Passage have a deep attachment which is especially felt by the many descendants of the families who were once residents of Devils Island and who now live in Eastern Passage and share a living connection to the history of this island as well as a vivid view plane of this iconic structure against sky and sea.

In 2009, a group of private citizens formed the Devils Island Light Society to express concern for the present condition and also the future of the lighthouse.

The society fought an uphill battle against Coast Guard censure and warning that members were not allowed to approach the lighthouse to restore and paint the facade.