Cape Spear Lighthouse

During the 19^th century the Colony’s economy was dependent upon the sea. Increasing marine activity necessitated the establishment of a chain of lighthouses along the coast. The number grew quickly from one in 1833 to forty four by 1890. From 1874 onwards, Trinity House, the Northern Lighthouse Board of Scotland, and the distinguished lighthouse engineer Robert Stevenson, advised the Lighthouse Commission. 

Most of these structures or their replacements still exist and those at Cape Spear (1836) (above) and Cape Bonavista (1843) (see International Sites) are now historic museums.