Fenwick Island in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The History of the Lighthouse
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
1. The History of the Lighthouse Marker
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the Department of Interior in 1979 in recognition of its significance of the rich maritime history of Delaware.
In 1852, responding to pressure to improve the lighthouse service, Congress established a nine member Lighthouse board. The Board was responsible for putting Fenwick Island Lighthouse in service in 1858 with the latest lighthouse technology to warn ships of the dangerous Fenwick Shoals. The Bureau of Lighthouses replace the Board in 1910 and ran the service until 1931 when it was turned over to the US Coast Guard.
On September 12, 1981, after it was decommissioned by the Coast Guard, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse was acquired by the State of Delaware from the Federal Government through the General Services Administration as Historic Surplus Property. The management of the lighthouse was then immediately turned over to the private non-profit Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 12, 1981.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Transpeninsular Line (here, next to this marker); Mason and Dixon Line-Survey Start (here, next to this marker); The Fenwick Island Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Australia (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eastern End of Transpeninsular Line Between Maryland and Three Lower Counties of Pennsylvania (about 800 feet away in Maryland); Sam Wilkinson (1994 - 2003) (approx. 1.2 miles away in Maryland); Old Sound Methodist Church (approx. 4.8 miles away); South Bethany's Local Government Evolves Over the Years (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fenwick Island.
Also see . . . Fenwick Island Light. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 25, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
2. The History of the Lighthouse Marker among other markers
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
3. The Lighthouse
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
4. The Keeper's House
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
5. The Lighthouse
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
6. The Lighthouse and Keepers' Houses
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
7. Fenwick Island Lighthouse complex
Photographed By Larry Gertner, April 25, 2021
8. Fenwick Light Station site map
National Register of Historic Places registration form
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 513 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 8. submitted on April 25, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
