The Micmac came to the island in the summer months to dig clams, mussels and quahaugs.

The first full-time inhabitants of the island were settlers from Scotland, the first of which is believed to have been Andrew MacDonald and his family in 1805.

The provincial government has spent a significant amount to preserve the connection despite rising sea levels and increased storms.

Built in 1853, the historic 18-metre-high (59 ft) lighthouse structure has gabled windows and four stories with a warning beacon atop.

It sits on the northeast shore alerting ships of the dangerous shoals that have been responsible for several shipwrecks in the region.