Delaware has forever been home to numerous notable lighthouses of great distinction. With its unique coastal location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, massive beacons have forever been part of the picturesque scenescape, serving to direct sailing ships on a safer course to the shoreline. The longevity of Delaware’s lighthouses even predates American Independence, with the first having been built as early as the 1760s.
With the youngest lighthouse constructed in the state being built just a little over a century ago (in 1925), it can be concluded that every Delaware lighthouse-based property can be declared historic. Many of the oldest edifices no longer stand but were long-lived during their tenure and served many an impactful purpose throughout the 19th century and beyond. For this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m sharing the operational history of the most antiquated examples of Delaware’s delightfully long-lived lighthouses.
Cape Henlopen Light
Constructed in 1767, Cape Henlopen Light was first lit in 1769. As the name suggests, it sat on the site of the current Cape Henlopen State Park, on the north side of the Great Dune. Until it was destroyed by a storm in 1926, it had been the oldest lighthouse in all of the state.
Cape Henlopen Beacon
Also located at Cape Henlopen was the Cape Henlopen Beacon. Constructed in 1825, this beacon served as a cape marker to supplement the then-still-operational Cape Henlopen Light. Cape Henlopen Beacon was decommissioned in 1884 and demolished soon after.
Mispillion Lighthouse
Originally built in 1831, the Mispillion Lighthouse has long held an enduring presence along the shores of the Mispillion River. A replacement for the original structure was built in 1873. The lighthouse remained in operation until 1929, when it was deactivated and replaced by a steel skeleton tower that had originally served at Cape Henlopen. The site was not reopened to the public until 2008, finding new life solely in its steel skeletal tower.
Christiana Light
Built along the Christiana River in 1835, Christiana Light boasted a long tenure before its deactivation in 1909. This was due to the new range lights that came into service at the time. Just 30 years later, the entire structure was demolished.
Delaware Breakwater Range Front Light
The Delaware Breakwater West End Lighthouse was constructed in 1838, soon rising in acclaim as the front light of the Delaware Breakwater Range. In 1903, the light was deactivated. The overall lighthouse was eventually destroyed in 1950.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse
The only original, still-standing lighthouse on the list, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse was constructed back in 1858, just two years after the United States Congress appropriated $25,000 for its establishment. It was first lit in August of 1859.
The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978, before finding new life in 1982 after public efforts were made to save it. Ownership was transferred to the State of Delaware. After much fundraising, the lighthouse was restored to its former glory and authenticity in 1997. It was rededicated in 1998 and is now maintained by the private, nonprofit New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse. Visitors may come and explore and tour the site at select times, via the existing museum and gift shop.
Again, all of the lighthouses in Delaware are historic markers worth discovering. These are just a few examples of the oldest ones. Consider exploring them all for the ultimate “enlightenment” statewide tour.