Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
3-Inch Gun
This Gun: 3-inch Deck Gun Mod. 1944 MK22
| | The Original Ft. Miles Gun: Model 1903 | |
This gun is known as a 3"/50, which specifies diameter of the gun's bore and it's caliber. The 3-inch guns that were placed at Fort Miles were mounted on a pedestal to allow them to be easily aimed and follow the target. Throughout their use, 3-inch guns were effective anti-aircraft weapons and also used against small, fast-moving vessels. They were eventually replaced with the more efficient and powerful 90mm gun.
The 3-inch guns at Fort Miles were placed in Battery 5.
[Caption:]
This is a photo of a 3-inch gun that is of the same model of those used at Fort Miles. We do not have any photos of the original Fort Miles 3-inch guns. Each gun required a 15-man crew. The guns had a firing range of 11,000 yards and were used primarily as anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons. The guns you see in front of you were not originally placed at Fort Miles, but are representations of 3-inch guns.
Erected by Delaware State Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Delaware State Parks series list.
Location. 38° 46.665′ N, 75° 5.41′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Delawares Beaches. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 90-MM Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Spotter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Aircraft Warning System (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Miles Historical Area (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Miles Historical Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Miles Artillery Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Miles in World War II (about 300 feet away); 155mm Gun (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Photographed by Pete Skillman, May 13, 2025
2. 3-Inch Gun Marker - wide view
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 16, 2020
3. 3-Inch Gun Marker
The damaged plaque to the left of the marker was signage requesting visitors to the park to avoid climbing on the display.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on May 13, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. 3, 4. submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
