Cape St. Mary's has always been known for it's treacherous currents and fog enshrouded cliffs which presented danger to sea going vessels, fishing schooners and transatlantic liners alike. Therefore in 1858, a lighthouse was established on the tableland 300 feet above sea level on the extreme headland of the Cape. Upon completion,salt spray immediately began to erode the mortar in the brick structure, increasing maintenance costs. The entire structure was therefore encased in iron and backed with concrete. Today the lighthose presents a shadow of it's former self with a squat and awkward appearance topped by a new aluminum 400 watt mercury vapour lamp focusing light 30 miles out to sea.
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