Cape Henlopen State Park near Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
155mm Gun
This Gun: M114A2 Howitzer
— Original Ft. Miles Gun: Model 1918-M-1 —
Guns such as these were used as field artillery. There were four 155mm guns placed at Fort Miles and four more placed across the Delaware Bay at Cape May, NJ to limit access to the bay. The concrete pads the were placed on were called "Panama Mounts" and gave the guns a wider firing range. Several such mounts can still be seen next to the parking lot north of the main Cape Henlopen Beach Bathhouse.
The 155mm guns at Fort Miles were placed in Battery 22.
[Caption:]
This is a photo of one of the guns that was used at Fort Miles. Each gun required an 18-man crew to lad and fire it. Its projectiles weighed 125lbs. and carried a 60lb. powder charge. The guns had a firing range of 10 miles and were used primarily as anti-ship weapons. The guns you see in front of you are not of the same model that were placed at Fort Miles, but are similar, more modern examples of 155mm guns.
Erected by Delaware State Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Delaware State Parks series list.
Location. 38° 46.682′ N, 75° 5.319′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Miles Artillery Park (within shouting distance of this marker); 6-inch Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); 8-inch Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Aircraft Warning System (within shouting distance of this marker); Spotter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Proof Steel (within shouting distance of this marker); 16-inch Gun (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 3-Inch Gun (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
