Pigeon Island (Lake Ontario)

[1] The island had been a navigational hazard since the founding of Kingston, Ontario.

Vessels wrecked on or near the island, prior to the construction of the lighthouse, include: the General Brock wrecked in 1846; the Royal Susan, in 1853; the Governor in 1862; the Young America in 1863; and the Annexation in 1866.

[3] Shallow soil and bird guano cover a limestone base.

The island supports a large population of birds.

[3] The original lighthouse was the first built in what came to be known as the "schoolhouse style", where the lighthouse tower was integrated into the lightkeeper's cottage.