The Wood Islands Lighthouse and its attached dwelling were constructed after Prince Edward Island Lighthouses had come under control of the federal Department of Marine and Fisheries. The survey that took place determined that repairs were required for many lighthouses and that new lighthouses should be built where needed. During the session of 1874, Parliament allotted $6,000 for construction of a lighthouse at Wood Islands. Archibald MacKay of Moncton signed a contract to construct the lighthouse for $3000. He made little progress in 1875 and eventually abandoned work on the lighthouse. For his efforts, he received $900. Donald MacMillan was hired to complete the work on the lighthouse. Donald MacMillan was a master carpenter by trade and had a keen interest in seeing the completion of the lighthouse.

The wooden, shingled lighthouse stands 16.5 m (54 ft) in height from base to vane. The Lighthouse is similar in design to Cape Egmont on the western end of the Island. The lighthouse has pedimented windows that enhance the tower along with a flared cornice and wooden lantern balustrade. The attached dwelling is very simple and has seen several changes over the years. An additional window was added to the west elevation and the shed roof on the northernmost wing was changed to a gable roof sometime after 1914. A small balcony was also added for the fog alarm that had been requested to assist the ferry in docking. In 1984, the bottom floor of the tower was renovated when a generator and fog alarm equipment were installed. The room was drywalled, a steel door installed, switching equipment mounted on the walls and some windows were changed to accommodate ventilators. A fire alarm system was also installed. It is unknown who designed or built the tower although the design drawings are initialed W.P.A.

The lighthouse was seen some repairs over the years. In 1877, a new iron floor was put in under the lantern. The tower foundation and outside walls saw major repair in 1957.

The tower and dwelling were electrified in 1958 and the light was changed from a fixed to flashing light.

In 1876, James MacMillan was light keeper. In the year 1912, William D. MacMillan became light keeper. In the same year, Levi Morrow became light keeper and held the position until 1923. From 1923 to 1924, Roderick W. MacKay filled this position. From 1924 until 1949, Thomas A. Smith was light keeper. George Stewart took over in September 1949 and held the light keeper's position until he retired in January 1972. Manson E. Murchison held the position from 1972 to 1974. B. Beaton was light keeper until December 1976. Leon Patton was the last keeper of the light at Wood Islands who retired in 1990.

The light began operation on November 1, 1876 to aid Marine traffic in Northumberland Strait and ti>hme boat- in and around Wood Islands. The 20 toot square wooden tower (50 teet high) has an attached MX room, two story dwelling for the keeper and his family.

In 1937 the main light was reglazed and a ^60° lens was installed to supply safer navigation tor the ferry service to Pictou, N.S. The lighthouse is adjacent to the NFL Ferry docks. Open daily for tiod Islands Development Corporation. The Wood Islands Lighthouse was built in 1876 on Indian Rocks.The 14.9m.(48.4ft.)tower with attached dwelling was modelled on the Bras d'Or N.S.and Stribling,Ont.lights.In 1941,a small balcony was added to accomodate a fog horn which aided the Northumberland Ferries.In l958,the light tower and dwelling were electrified nd the light changed from a fixed to a flashing light.The dwelling was last occupied in 1981. Wood Island 's last Mghtkeeper,Leon Patton,retired in 1991. Wood Islands was one of the last three on P.E.I, to have keepers.