Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
8-inch Gun
This Gun: Mark XXII Model II
| | Original Ft. Miles Gun: Model MXVI Mod.3A 11 | |
The 8-inch guns placed at Fort Miles were each mounted on a railcar, making the large guns very mobile and easy to position for firing. The gun was able to turn in a 360° circle at an elevation of 45°. This made them difficult targets for enemy fire to hit. The guns you see in front of you are not the guns that were placed at Fort Miles, but represent 8-inch guns.
The 8-inch guns at Fort Miles were placed in Battery 20 and Battery 22.
[Caption:]
This is a photo of an 8-inch gun that was used here. Each gun's maximum firing range was 20 miles; it fired a 260-lb. shell and took a crew of 25 to operate. The 8-inch gun was used primarily as an anti-ship weapon.
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° 46.65′ N, 75° 5.298′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Cape Henlopen State Park. It can be reached from Dune Road half a mile
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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: Proof Steel (within shouting distance of this marker); 16-inch Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); 6-inch Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); 155mm Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Miles Artillery Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Aircraft Warning System (about 300 feet away); Spotter House (about 300 feet away); The Great Dune (about 500 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 430 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
