Fenwick Island in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fenwick Island Lighthouse
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
1. Fenwick Island Lighthouse Marker
On December 29, 1858, the Lighthouse Board issued the following announcement:
New Light-House
at
Fenwicks Island, Delaware”
Notice is hereby given that the new tower at Fenwicks Island, Delaware, is finished, and that a light will be exhibited therefrom for the first day of August next, and will be kept burning during that night, and every night thereafter, from sunset to sunrise. The tower is built of brick, is 75 feet high and is surmounted by a lantern 10 feet high. The watch room and lantern are painted black, the lower and keeper’s dwelling white. The illuminating apparatus is of the third order of the system of Fresnel and will show a fixed white light varied by a bright flash every two minutes. The focal plane is 86 feet above the level of the sea, and the light should be visible in ordinary states of the atmosphere 15 nautical miles.
The approximate position of the light-house, as deduced from the Coast Survey charts, is –
Longitude, 75° 03’ 30” West…”
The lighthouse cost $23,748.96 to build in 1858.
The light was first fueled by whale oil, then kerosene and was magnified by a lens, (Fresnel lens), imported from France.
The two houses flanking the lighthouse
this page online
These are now Privately owned.
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 month for this entry is December 1788.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 27.075′ N, 75° 3.296′ W. Marker was on Fenwick Island, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker was on Lighthouse Road (146th Street), on the right when traveling west. In front of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fenwick Island DE 19944, United States of America.
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); a different marker also named 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
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
2. Fenwick Island Lighthouse Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
3. Keeper's House
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
4. The Light
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
5. Light with Fresnel Lens
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
6. Fresnel Lens Diagram
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2007
7. Notice to Mariners
A framed copy of the 1858 notice hangs inside the Fenwick Island Lighthouse. "Copied from Records on file at the National Archives by Richard B. Carter, January, 1979"
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013
8. Fenwick Island Light
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2007
9. An Earlier Version
The current marker seems to be the replacement of an earlier marker shown in this 2007 Photo.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2007
10. An Earlier Version
The earlier marker was located to the left of the front gate; The current marker is on the right of the gate.
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 647 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on February 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
