Cape Henlopen State Park near Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

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The U.S. Navy at Cape Henlopen

A Century of Service

Photographed by Nate Davidson, October 18, 2014

1. The U.S. Navy at Cape Henlopen Marker

Inscription. The United States Navy's ties to Cape Henlopen spanned nearly 100 years. The Navy first came to the Cape in 1898 to build a signal tower during the Spanish American War. In the 20th century, the Navy kept a communications station he, beginning with a wireless station in 1904. During World War I, a naval base helped protect the cities and industries along the Delaware River. And in World War II, the Navy watched over shipping in the area and maintained a post to guard the Delaware Bay. From 1962 until 1981, an underwater listening station, named NavFac, Lewes, traced submarines in the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Navy's Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS). After that, the Navy ran a reserve training center here until it left Cape Henlopen in 1996.

Erected by Delaware State Parks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, Cold • War, Spanish-American • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Delaware State Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 46.25′ N,

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75° 5.231′ W. Marker was near Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It was in Cape Henlopen State Park. It was on Dune Road. Located in front of the Biden Center within Cape Henlopen State Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Lewes DE 19958, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was on Delaware’s Beaches.

It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: Reclaiming the Cape (within shouting distance of this marker); Howard Schroeder (approx. 0.4 miles away); Herring Point (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Great Dune (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Cape Henlopen Lighthouse

Marker next to 16-inch artillery shell in front of Biden Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Nate Davidson, October 18, 2014

2. Marker next to 16-inch artillery shell in front of Biden Center

(approx. 0.4 miles away); 8-inch Gun (approx. half a mile away); 16-inch Gun (approx. half a mile away); Proof Steel (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2014, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,618 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2014, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.