Cape Sable Lighthouse

Original picture taken by Bryden Ross, circa 1985.

The Cape Sable Lighthouse is located a short distance from the town of Clark's Harbour, on Cape Sable, which is off the end of The Hawk. The Hawk is the most southern tip of Cape Sable Island, which makes this spot ideal for a lighthouse.

The first lighthouse was constructed in 1861 by John MacKinnon, due to a ship wreck off the ledge of Cape Sable Island. On February 19,1860, the ship, the Hungarian, did not have any warning and struck the treacherous ledge. Everyone aboard was lost.

The lighthouse was lit for the first time on November 12, 1861. The light was a fixed red beacon, which was manned by John H. Doane. In 1923-24 the old wooden lighthouse was replaced with a concrete tower, which would withstand the weather and elements more sufficiently. It was manned for many years, but was changed over to automation in recent years.