Lewes Ferry Terminal in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse
Photographed By Nate Davidson, December 31, 2010
1. Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Marker
Inscription.
Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse. . 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.
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 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.
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38° 46.933′ N, 75° 7.136′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Lewes Ferry Terminal. Marker 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.
Wide view of the marker, ferry landing at left, "Breakwater Harbor" and Delaware Bay in background.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 784 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. 2. submitted on August 11, 2019, by John Miller of Rising Sun, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
