Delaware’s coastline is dotted with historic lighthouses that have guided mariners for centuries, embodying the state’s rich maritime heritage. Learn more about the fascinating stories of five historic lighthouses in Coastal Delaware, each a testament to the enduring spirit of navigation and preservation.
Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse
Established in 1885, the Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse marks the entrance to Lewes Harbor, separating the Delaware Bay on the breakwater rocks built to protect the coast from higher force waves. (Which is why locals know it as The Breakwater instead of its former name, the East End Lighthouse.) Its brown tower, rising 60.5 feet above the tide, serves as a reminder of its crucial role in maritime safety until its deactivation in 1996.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse
On the border between Delaware and Maryland, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse has been a beacon since 1859. In fact, it’s the oldest lighthouse in the state of Delaware. Despite a brief deactivation, it remains operational, its white light visible for 15 miles. The lighthouse and its museum, housed in the original keeper’s quarters, offer insights into the life of a lighthouse keeper and the technology that kept the light shining. You can easily visit this landmark from your Foxlane home – it’s just a quick 10 minutes from Sweetbay and 20 minutes from The Knoll at Irons Lane!
Fourteen Foot Bank Lighthouse
A marvel of engineering, the Fourteen Foot Bank Lighthouse stands in Delaware Bay and was established in 1876. It’s notable for being the first lighthouse built on a pneumatic caisson, embedding it deep into the seafloor. The light was automated in 1972 and it’s now part of the National Historic Register. Today this lighthouse serves as a critical research station for the University of Delaware.
Harbor of Refuge Light
The Harbor of Refuge Light, established in 1896 and still operational, is a testament to the resilience against the forces of nature. Located off Cape Henlopen, it has withstood storms that have shifted it off its foundation, highlighting the challenging conditions lighthouse keepers faced to ensure the safety of passing ships.
Mispillion Lighthouse
The Mispillion Lighthouse, located near the mouth of the Mispillion River, was built in 1831 and deactivated in 1929. It is the only surviving wood-frame lighthouse in Delaware. After decades of neglect and a damaging lightning strike in 2002, this once-dilapidated lighthouse was lovingly restored. It now stands proudly in Lewes’ Shipcarpenter Square, a neighborhood renowned for revitalizing historic homes and structures, providing a new lease on life for these cherished dwellings.
Explore These Historic Lighthouses in Coastal Delaware and More
These historic lighthouses in Coastal Delaware are more than just navigational aids; they are beacons of history, each with stories of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to maritime safety. And when you live in an area as rich with history as Coastal Delaware is, there’s always something exciting to discover. Schedule a tour of our Sweetbay and The Knoll at Irons Lane neighborhoods to start your new chapter in this storied place.