In 1910, the Reedy Island Rear Range light station was established in the town of Taylor’s Bridge, DE. The light station consisted of a two-story keeper’s quarters, an oil house, a small barn, and the 125-foot cast-iron skeletal lighthouse. Being a rear range tower, the lighthouse was used in conjunction with the Reedy Island Front Range lighthouse to guide shipping along the Delaware River. The lighthouse was originally fitted with a fifth-order range lens that helped to improve the distance that the light could be seen.
By the mid 1930’s, the lighthouse was automated and electrified, eliminating the need for a keeper at this station. The keeper’s quarters and other buildings were no longer needed and were sold to private owners. The lighthouse however, was placed under the care of Harry Spencer, who was also in charge of maintaining the light at the nearby Liston Rear Range Light. Harry completed inspections and maintenance on a monthly basis, replacing burnt out bulbs and ensuring the proper functioning of the light until 1943.
Today, the light is powered by a DCB-224 aero beacon and is maintained by the Coast Guard. The lighthouse and barn are all that remain of the station. On April 6, 2002, vandals set the keeper’s quarters a blaze, completely burning the building. The oil house, which was located next to the keeper’s quarters, was also damaged to the point that it had to be torn down.
Photo taken June 14, 2004
To visit the Reedy Island Rear Range Lighthouse, take Hwy. 13 to the town of Odessa. Take 299 east from Odessa, then make a left turn onto Hwy. 9 south. When Hwy. 9 splits to go north or south, bear right and continue traveling south. The lighthouse will be located on the left about two miles from the split.
