South West Head Lighthouse opened January 1, 1880 with Walter McLaughlin as its first keeper.

The lighthouse was built at the top of 230 feet cliffs, about 2 1/2 miles from the village of Seal Cove, at the very southern tip of the island. Mr. McLaughlin moved his large family into the adjoining house under quite severe conditions and remained there until his retirement in 1901.

May 1927

Photo courtesy of Canadian Coast Guard


Old lighhouse with attached barn and garage

An early postcard

In 1959 a new modern lighthouse was built near the old one and the old one torn down. Two dwelling houses were built nearby ( a third house later).

Sybil walking our dog Jill 1984
new lighthouse and garage in background

Doug helping load the helicopter for Gannet Rock ca. 1985

Barbara Guptill photo

The road to SouthWest head in winter

Addison Naves photo

South West Head 1978




South West Head 1973

Addison Naves photo

In the 1970s South West head changed from a three man station to a two man station, then to a one man station in 1978. The last Principal keeper, Doug Daggett, retired in October, 1987 and the station was closed.


Principal keepers at South West Head from 1880 to 1987 were:

Walter Mclaughlin
Turner Ingalls
Clyde S. Ingersoll
Thomas P. Foster
Samuel Harvey
Harvey Benson
Ottawa Benson
Addison Naves
Douglas Daggett

Old and New lighthouses-1959

SOUHT WEST HEAD CLIFFS LAKE APPLETS

MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND

GANNET ROCK

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