Delaware Breakwater
East End Lighthouse


The United States donated Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse to the State of Delaware for public use.

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The lighthouse was leased to the Delaware River & Bay Authority, the bi-state group that manages ferries and airports for Delaware and New Jersey. In 2004 the Authority and the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation entered into a contract whereby the Foundation became advisors on the preservation to be undertaken by the Authority and were responsible for tours and educational activities. A few years later the State took back the responsibility and the tours were discontinued.

The following facts about the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse are a version of information on the National Park Service’s website Inventory of Historic Light Stations in Delaware

Existing Historic Tower:
· Year Light First Lit: 1885
· Is the Light Operational? NO
· Date Deactivated: 1996
· Automated:
· Foundation Materials: CAISSON
· Construction Materials: BRICK W/CAST IRON PLATES
· Markings/Patterns: BROWN TOWER ON WHITE PIER
· Shape: CONICAL
· Relationship to Other Structures: INTEGRAL
· Tower Height: 49
· Original Optic: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL
· Year Original Lens Installed:
· Present Optic: 375 MM
· Year Present Lens Installed:
· Height of Focal Plane: 61
· Fresnel Lens Disposition:
· Has tower been moved? NO

Existing Sound Signal Building? NO

Existing Keepers Quarters? YES
· Year Constructed: 1885
· Number of Stories:
· Architectural Style: SPARK PLUG INTEGRAL
· Construction Materials: CAST IRON

Owner/Manager: State of Delaware.

Open to the Public? Yes, on accompanied tours only

National Register Status: PART OF LISTING; Reference #89000289

Name of Listing: NATIONAL HARBOR OF REFUGE & DELAWARE BREAKWATER HARBOR HISTORIC DISTRICT

Miscellaneous:
SIGNIFICANT AS BREAKWATER; WITH LIGHTSHIPS, TOOK OVER DUTIES OF CAPE HENLOPEN LIGHT

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