Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Reclaiming the Cape
President Joseph R. "Joe" Biden, Jr.
Photographed by Pete Skillman, May 13, 2025
1. Reclaiming the Cape Marker
From Public Land to Patriotic Duty
In 1682. William Penn proclaimed Cape Henlopen's land would be forever preserved for public use. However, during World War II, the area came under military control. Delawareans willingly turned this land over to the United States Government to establish Fort Miles and protect the Delaware River.
A Return to the People
In 1964, the military declared 543 acres of Cape Henlopen's land surplus - allowing the state of Delaware to create Cape Henlopen State Park.
In 1989, then Senator Biden believed the remaining land should also be restored. He directed the US. Army to report to Congress, where they conceded the rest of Fort Miles should be returned to Delaware By 1996, Biden helped restore 1,350 acres to the public, just as William Penn intended.
(Captions):
Artillery crews practice fire their 155mm guns in the 1940s, near what is now the McBride Bathhouse.
The final parcel of land - the "crown jewel" according to Joe Biden - was returned in 1996 with the help of the U.S.
this page online
In 1988, future President Joe Biden and then-Delaware State Parks Director, Charles Salkin stood outside the building next to you. They were celebrating its new role as the Biden Environmental Center. The former Naval Reserve training facility was rededicated to honor Biden's successful return of public land.
President Biden grew up in New Castle County, Delaware. He also practiced law there before being elected to the U.S. Senate. He served as 47th Vice President of the United States and was sworn in as our nation's 46th President on January 20, 2021.
Erected 2021 by Delaware State Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Delaware State Parks, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #46 Joseph R. Biden series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1682.
Location. 38° 46.271′ N, 75° 5.253′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is on Dune Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map.
Photographed by Pete Skillman, May 13, 2025
2. Reclaiming the Cape Marker - wide view
Part of the Biden Environmental Center can be seen in the background.
Regionally, this marker is on Delawares Beaches. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Howard Schroeder (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Great Dune (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Cape Henlopen Lighthouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); 8-inch Gun (approx. 0.4 miles away); 16-inch Gun (approx. 0.4 miles away); Proof Steel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Herring Point (approx. half a mile away); Standing Guard (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The U.S. Navy at Cape Henlopen (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Wilmington, Delaware. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Wilmington, Delaware.
