The Luxury steamship "S.S. Atlantic", of the White Star Line, ran aground on Mar's Head, Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia on April 1, 1873. This was the worst marine, single vessel disaster to occur off the Canadian Coast prior to the sinking of the Titanic. There were 952 on board; 390 were saved. A local Anglican Clergyman, the Reverend William Ancient, led the local fishermen in the rescue. Visit the Interpretation Centre, walk the boardwalk that wraps the coastline, rest in the gazebo, absorb the history of this event and explore the communities which were involved. .

In 1998 local citizens of Terence Bay and Lower Prospect organized the SS Atlantic Heritage Park Society.  The Society's  intentions were to preserve the resting place of 277 victims of the sinking of the SS Atlantic in 1873.  However, over the years, the Society's successes far surpassed their initial intentions.  Near the mass burial site in Terence Bay, there is now a boardwalk that wraps around the coastline, and a gazebo.  The area around the old memorial to the victims has been landscaped and interpretive panels have been installed.  An Interpretation Centre was completed in 2002 containing a small museum of artifacts from the SS Atlantic, interpretive panels and a craft shop.  The Centre also houses a  gift shop featuring items created by Nova Scotia artisans.   Refreshments are available as well as washroom facilities.