To visit the Listion Rear Range Lighthouse, take Hwy. 1 north to exit 152 (just west of Port Penn). Turn right onto US 13 and continue to Port Penn Rd. Make a left onto Port Penn Rd. The lighthouse is easily visible on the left.
In many locations, range lights were used to guide shipping in areas where navigation was difficult. Range lights consisted of two lighthouses, used in conjunction with one another to mark channels for ships to move safely along the coast. When the two lights were lined up directly over one another, the captain knew that the ship was safely in the channel. However, when the two lights appeared to tilt or lean to the left or right, the ship needed to change course to continue safely on its way.
The Liston Rear Range Lighthouse was constructed in 1877. Built from iron, and assembled in the form of a skeletal tower, the lighthouse stands 120 feet in height, giving the light a focal plane 175 feet above the water of the Delaware Bay. The lighthouse was fitted with a second order Fresnel lens, which remained in operation until it was automated and replaced with an aero-beacon in 1976.
Today, the light still remains an active aid to navigation in conjunction with the Liston Front Range light. The lighthouse is operated by the Coast Guard and is not open to the public.
