Cape Henlopen State Park near Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
William J. Hopkins
Delaware State Parks
— Pioneer of Preservation —
When Bill Hopkins came to Delaware in 1964 as the first superintendent for Cape Henlopen State Park, he brought with him a vision that would shape preservation in the state for years to come. For more than forty years he has been a driving force in preserving our lands as director of the Division of Parks and Recreation, educator, advocate to elected officials locally and nationally, and mentor to a generation of park professionals.
If you have enjoyed your visit to any Delaware State Park, it is due in large part to Bill's influence. By encouraging ingenuity, teamwork and entrepreneurship, Bill has given us the framework to continue his passion to save our special places. It is only fitting that we commemorate his service here at Cape Henlopen where he first became one of our Pioneers of Preservation.
"I attribute the greatest part of our success to you – each of you." – Bill Hopkins
Erected by Delaware State Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Government & Politics • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Delaware State Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1964.
Location. 38° 47.181′ N, 75°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Quarantine Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station (within shouting distance of this marker); German Submarine at Cape Henlopen (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ever Changing Cape Henlopen (approx. 0.8 miles away); Delaware’s Beachnesters (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Osprey (approx. 0.8 miles away); Fort Miles Historical Area (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Miles Historical Area (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Additional commentary.
1.
I am Bill Hopkins son—he died in 2021—and I was 10 years old when we moved from Ohio to Fort Miles Delaware with dad's assistant manager Earl Fenton and his family. We all first lived in the Fire Station (long gone) during the best time of my life...My sister Cheryl and my "sisters" Gail and Donna Fenton would explore the active military base until it became Cape Henlopen State Park...
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 255 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
