In 1909, the Bellevue Rear Range lighthouse was constructed on Cherry Island. The tower, standing 104 feet in height, was constructed of steel and is a square pyramidal skeletal tower. The lighthouse continued to be an effective aid to navigation until 2001.
The tower became ineffective when the increasing height of the landfill, located just behind the lighthouse, got to such a height that it blocked its guiding light. The job of being an aid to navigation as been given to a modern “tower,” located on the opposite side of the landfill. Only the grounds are open to the public during landfill hours.
To visit the Bellevue Rear Range Lighthouse, take I-495 north from Wilmington. Take exit 4 and follow the exit ramp around until you are on the service road beside the interstate heading south. At this point, continue traveling south along the service road. This road takes you in front of a number of industrial sites along the river and the road is very rough, and can be filled with construction traffic at times. The road remains strait for the most part until you reach the city landfill, where it makes a sharp turn to the right. Pull into the landfill parking lot and park at the main office. You will need to go inside and tell the staff that you would like to see the lighthouse. You will have to sign a waiver and sign in. From there, you are on your own! We got turned around, and one of the workers led us down to the lighthouse.
