This historical Lighthouse on Grand Turk Island is a prominent feature of the Island's landscape and has a rather fascinating history! The structure was built in 1852 to assist maritime navigation in the treacherous waters around the Caribbean Islands, but shipwrecks continued. Sea captains frequently complained that the light was too dim or not lit at all. It was believed that the dimming of the light was intentional to cause mishaps in order to loot the cargo onboard.

The lighthouse was constructed to serve as a crucial point of reference for mariners, guiding them safely through and to the Islands and helping to avert disaster in the often unpredictable Caribbean weather. But despite this 70-foot "beacon," several ships were wrecked each season throughout the 1880s and 1890s!

Numerous rumours abounded about Turk Islanders capitalizing on the wreckages to profit from salvage operations. Fortunately, in most cases where the wrecks occurred, there was no loss of life but still a substantial loss of property. To remedy this situation, the local government got a Nassau Lighthouse Service to provide annual maintenance and inspection. Subsequently, the frequency of wrecks was reduced, but the treacherous Northeast Reef still claimed ships throughout the years.

The light source was originally oil-based and underwent various upgrades over the years. Today, the Grand Turk Lighthouse, although not actively in use, remains a cherished icon, drawing tourists and locals alike to appreciate its historical significance in guiding countless vessels through the often perilous waters surrounding the Island.