Lewes Ferry Terminal in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

Photographed by Pete Skillman, July 7, 2025

1. Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Marker

Inscription. A temporary light was established on the south end of the recently completed National Harbor of Refuge Breakwater on January 1, 1902. It was replaced in 1908 by a three-story frame lighthouse. A series of storms damaged the structure, resulting in its removal and replacement in 1926. The present Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse became operational on November 15, 1926. This white and black structure consists of a three story cylindrical tower with a watch room above. The foundation is a cast iron caisson of curved plates bolted together. It is lined with three feet of concrete. The lighthouse stands seventy-six feet above the breakwater. It shows a flashing white light seventy-two feet above mean high water which is visible fourteen miles to sea. Coast Guard light keepers manned the light until it was automated in December 1973. In 2004, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse was transferred by the United States Department of the Interior to the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation.

Erected 2004 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-186.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Landmarks • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the Lighthouses series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1902.

Location. 38° 46.936′ N, 75° 7.108′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Lewes Ferry Terminal. It can be reached from Cape Henlopen Drive. Located within the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewes DE 19958, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Delaware’s 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: Breakwaters (here, next to this marker); Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Delaware Pilots

Photographed by Nate Davidson, December 31, 2010

2. Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Legacy of Ted Freeman (within shouting distance of this marker); Cape May - Lewes Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Unknown Sailors' Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Menhaden Fisheries (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lighthouses (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.

Additional keywords. Lewes, Lighthouse, Cape Henlopen

Photographed by John Miller, August 6, 2019

3. Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Marker

Wide view of the marker, ferry landing at left, "Breakwater Harbor" and Delaware Bay in background.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, May 4, 2025

4. Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Marker

Where the marker used to be.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,081 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 7, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Wilmington, Delaware. 2. submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. 3. submitted on August 11, 2019, by John Miller of Rising Sun, Maryland. 4. submitted on May 4, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Wilmington, Delaware. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.