Rehoboth Beach in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Junction and Breakwater Trail

You are Standing in the Path of a Train!

Photographed By Pete Skillman, April 17, 2024

1. The Junction and Breakwater Trail Marker

Inscription. Though the tracks are gone, this trail follows the path of an early railroad that once helped to join northern and southern Delaware. The Junction and Breakwater Railroad Company opened in 1857. The "junction" was in Harrington which connected with the rail line from Wilmington. The "breakwater" is the bay in Lewes, which the trails finally reached in 1870.

For many years, the railroad carried both passengers. and freight, especially fruit and other farm produce of Sussex County. Rehoboth Beach became a popular resort town after the line reached there in 1878. But by the early 20th century, more people traveled by car and this rail line began carrying only freight. It finally shut down for good when trucks took over that job, too.

In 2003, the Division of Parks and Recreation took the abandoned rail bed and made it useful to the public once again for hiking and biking.

[Caption:]
Photographs of the Rehoboth Beach Train Station in the early 20th century. Courtesy of the Delaware Public Archives

Erected by Delaware State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 38° 44.47′

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N, 75° 7.055′ W. Marker is in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker can be reached from Wolfe Neck Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 36160 Wolfe Neck Rd, Lewes DE 19958, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Settlement of Wolfe Neck (approx. 0.2 miles away); Triton Trumpet (approx. 1.3 miles away); Tiki Nook (approx. 1.3 miles away); Wampum (approx. 1.3 miles away); Lost Ruins (approx. 1.3 miles away); Sand Dollar (approx. 1.3 miles away); King Helmet (approx. 1.3 miles away); Wentletrap (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rehoboth Beach.

The Junction and Breakwater Trail Marker wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Pete Skillman, April 17, 2024

2. The Junction and Breakwater Trail Marker wide view

Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 56 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.