Original Carter Island Lighthouse Photograph courtesy Library and Archives Canada

Built in 1872 by James A. Hayden at a cost of $460, the original Carter Island Lighthouse was a square wooden tower topped by a wooden octagonal lantern, that had a diameter of seven feet and an iron floor. Originally, a circular-burner lamp set in a twenty-one-inch reflector produced a fixed red light from atop the tower. James Lloyd was hired as the first keeper at an annual salary of $160, and he exhibited the light for the first time on September 10, 1872.

When first built, the lighthouse did not have an associated dwelling, but one was added the next year. This cottage measured eighteen by twenty-six feet and was detached from the lighthouse. In 1874, iron wire-rope was used to stay the lighthouse on four sides, and Keeper Lloyd was supplied a boat, thirteen feet long. As the station was difficult to reach in rough weather, Keeper Lloyd was authorized to spend up to $200 on materials for a landing. In 1878, Keeper Lloyd’s salary was increased to $250 per year due to the duties required at the offshore station.

On December 7, 1896, the light at Carter Island was improved by replacing the catoptric apparatus (a system of lamps and reflectors) with a seventh-order lens manufactured by Chance Brothers of Birmingham England.

A new lighthouse was built on Carter Island in 1930. The role of dwelling and tower, which before consisted of two structures, was combined into a lovely two-story dwelling surmounted by a square wooden lantern. A fog signaling building was also constructed on the island along with a boathouse and oil shed.

1930 Carter Island Lighthouse Photograph courtesy Nova Scotia Archives and Records

In 1982, after caretakers for the historic structures on the island could not be found, the present fiberglass tower was erected, and the lighthouse and all outbuildings save the fog signal building were demolished. The modern circular tower stands 9.1 meters tall and is marked with two red horizontal stripes. Carter Island is one of five small islands within Lockporte Harbour, and its flashing white light guides vessels into the inner harbour.

Head Keepers: James Lloyd (1872 – 1883), Albert Locke (1883), Charles M. Collupy (1883 – 1885), Robert McDonald (1885 – 1925), C.L. Hardy (1926 – 1936), V.M. Mathews (1936 – at least 1937).

References

1. Annual Report of the Department of Marine and Fisheries, various years.
2. Lighthouses & Lights of Nova Scotia, E.H. Rip Irwin, 2003.

Entering Lockeport on Locke Street, turn left onto Hall Street, go three blocks and turn right onto Athens Lane. Turn left after one block onto North Street and then right in one block onto Upper Water Street, which takes you to the wharf area for the closest view of the light. Another good view can be had from the end of South Street.

The lighthouse is owned by the Canadian Coast Guard. Grounds open, tower closed.

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