By this time an area of great maritime activity, a lighthouse existed on the summit as early as 1854.
During the period of the Canadian–American Reciprocity Treaty which was in effect from 1854 to 1866, fishermen set up temporary camps each summer on Henry Island.
Nearly 30 years later, the original lighthouse was replaced with the currently standing 53-foot (16 m) red and white lighthouse in 1902 under the supervision of foreman Jim MacDonnell of Margaree Harbor, Nova Scotia for a total cost of $3,489.
By 1992, the adjacent house had not been lived in for 40 years and had been vandalized, and a nearby shed destroyed.
The island was purchased by William F. Baker, who undertook the restoration of the home back to its original state.