This structure was replaced in 1882 with a separate iron tower that held the light aloft near the center of the island; the current two-story Victorian house was built in 1884.

[6] Additional structures remaining on the island include a smokehouse (built c. 1847), a carpenter's shop (1882), a generator house (1900), and a boathouse (1920).

[7] Among the keepers hired to maintain the light was William Johnston, a man once known as "The Pirate of the Thousand Islands" for his actions as an American sympathizer during the Patriot War.

The grant, matched by $200,000 in state money, was for restoration and development of a method of presenting the lighthouse's historical information and context to the public.

Vickery sank August 17, 1889 when it struck a shoal while entering the American Narrows destined for Wisers Distillery at Prescott, Ontario, Canada.

The nearest public launch site is located at Grass Point State Park, which is approximately five minutes away by boat.

[15] The park allows for viewing the surrounding area from the top of the lighthouse, and includes a museum maintained in the former keeper's quarters.