The 1755 Lisbon earthquake affected the community, resulting in the destruction of many homes and the parochial church of the time.

Before their destruction by phylloxera plague, the vineyards in this location were great producers of the popular Verdelho wines, becoming one of the more important agricultural centres on the island.

The Direcção de Serviços de Conservação da Natureza do Pico (Service Directorate of the Natural Conservancy of Pico) and Serviço de Ambiente do Pico (Environmental Services of Pico) were installed in the Parque Florestal Matos Souto (Forest Park Matos Souto), a park dedicated to commander Manuel Matos Souto, an emigrante who departed for Brazil in the 19th century, where he made his fortune (resending his monies home in order to buy land on the island).

Piedade is located on the extreme east coast of Pico, bordering the parishes of Calheta de Nesquim and Ribeirinha, and connected by the Regional E.R.1-1ª roadway to other centers on the island.

The patrimony of the parish is diverse, although the primary buildings are the parochial church and hermitage, the curious fishing boat shelters, windmills and lighthouse.