Trinity was first settled in the 18th century, although fishermen would commonly frequent the area in previous years. A unique feature of Trinity was that it was easily defensible, with a fort being constructed to protect from French raids in 1744. The fort would be destroyed by the French in 1762, and reconstructed in 1812. A third site was constructed in 1820, until it was abandoned in 1871.

It was during this time that the construction of a lighthouse on Fort (Admiral's) Point would be of great benefit to the vital fishing hub, and prevent ships from being wrecked along the point. The first tower was finished in 1874, a white wooden tower standing 23 metres above sea level and a range of 9.5 nautical miles.

This structure served until 1921 by a circular iron tower that was nearly half the height of the original. It was this lighthouse that bore witness to the 1938 wreck of the schooner Marion Rogers, which left no survivors.

This light was demolished in 1971 before being replaced by a red skeletal tower. This tower was in turn replaced by the current wooden structure in 2003, and the surrounding area is now home to a interpretation centre and is a popular tourist destination in the town.