The Wandering Disciple

The Delaware Breakwater East End Light sits on a breakwater near Cape Henlopen, Delaware. It was constructed as part of a safe haven project initiated by President John Quincy Adams. The Atlantic Coast from Virginia to New Jersey provided no safe harbors for large ships during storms. So a breakwater was added to protect the Delaware Bay, giving the ships a harbor of refuge. The 49 foot lighthouse was built in 1884 to help guide ships to the safe waters of the Delaware Bay. (Photo: April 28, 2004)

Lewes, Delaware: Located on the site of a former military base, Cape Henlopen is a state park located on the Atlantic Ocean. At over 5,000 acres, the park features beaches, camping, nature trail and much more. The public park aspect of Cape Henlopen began in 1682 when William Penn declared the beaches to be the publics beach making it the first public lands. The cape was an important military stronghold through the World Wars. It was in operation during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War and both World Wars. The cape was fortified more during World War II with the construction of Fort Miles. The park is also home to two lighthouses that help aid ships through the Delaware Bay. The Harbor of Refuge Light and the Delaware Breakwater East End Light located just offshore help guide the ship traffic through the waters. The state park was founded in 1964 by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. It offers visitors miles of ocean and bay fr...