Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse

The Delaware Breakwater was constructed over a span of forty years, from 1829 to 1869. This impressive stone wall was designed to provide a safe harbor for sailing ships seeking refuge from the Atlantic’s dangerous gales, nor’easters, and hurricanes. In 1885, the U.S. Lighthouse Service established the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse on the breakwater. The cast-iron structure stands 61 feet tall, is painted brown, and features a fourth-order Fresnel lens. It served as a vital aid to navigation until it was automated in 1954 and later decommissioned in 1996. Today, the lighthouse remains a striking landmark and can be seen from both the Cape May–Lewes Ferry and Cape Henlopen State Park, offering a glimpse into Delaware’s rich maritime history. 

Water Lewes, DE (302)644-7046