The southern entrance to the Delaware Bay is home to Cape Henlopen, which was once a major obstacle to navigation. Cape Henlopen was once home to the Cape Henlopen Light, which was destroyed in 1926 due to terrible storms and erosion. Around the cape, a series of stone breakwaters were constructed to provide safe harbor for passing mariners. On these breakwaters, called the "Harbor of Refuge," two lighthouses were built to help guide ships into and out of the harbor. These lighthouses are the Harbor of Refuge Light and the Delaware Breakwater Light.
In 1896, the Harbor of Refuge Light was built on the outer-harbor breakwater, located just north of Cape Henlopen, helping to mark the entrance to the Delaware Bay. This breakwater light was subjected to numerous storms and was
To visit the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, take US Hwy. 113 N. Make a right onto Hwy. 24 east. Then turn left onto DE 1/Coastal Hwy N. Make a right onto Kings Hwy/268. Stay straight on Theodore C. Freeman Memorial Hwy. (Hwy 9 E) till you come to Cape Henlopen Dr. Make a right onto Cape Henlopen Drive and follow signs to the Cape Henlopen State Park entrance. Entrance to the park is $2.50 for instate, $5.00 out-of-state during May 1st to October 31st. Follow signs to the beach to view the lighthouse.
abandoned in 1926 when the structure was deemed unuseable. Later that year, construction was completed on the current lighthouse which still stands today on the breakwater. The lighthouse stands 76 feet in height and is construced of cast-iron. The light sits on top of a solid caisson foundation, enabling the structure to withstand the punishment from the pounding wind and surf. The lighthouse was given a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which was in use until 1973 when the light was automated.
Still an active aid to navigation, the lighthouse uses an airport style beacon that emits a white flash every five seconds, visible up to 19 miles. The station also uses a fog signal, which sounds twice every 30 seconds.
The lighthouse is located just off shore and is best visible from the Cape Henlopen State Park. Visitors to the park will find that it also offers an enjoyable place to walk along the beach, to fish, collect shells, and have a picnic. There are several WWII observation towers located in the park, and some are open to the public to climb, allowing a wonderful view of the ocean, the Delaware Bay, and the park. While in the park, don't forget to look for the Delaware Breakwater Light, and be sure to visit the Lightship Overfalls in Lewes.
