Delaware Breakwater East End Light

The Delaware Breakwater East End Light is a lighthouse standing on a cast iron foundation in Delaware Bay, reaching about 49 feet in height. The structure contains three stories of living quarters for keepers and still operates with a historical lens system to guide vessels.

The lighthouse was built in 1885 to replace an older beacon and bring modern navigation to Delaware Bay. This new facility marked the start of improved safety standards for ships traveling through the region.

The lighthouse reflects Delaware's long connection to the sea and represents how people here have watched over passing ships for generations. This role remains visible in how the structure commands the waterway today.

The lighthouse sits on a breakwater surrounded by water, so reaching it requires boat access rather than a walking path. Visitors should know this is an active navigation aid, so there may be restrictions on how close you can approach.

The lighthouse uses a red beam to warn ships away from a shallow sandbank nearby that poses a hidden danger to navigation. This color-coded light signal helped sailors avoid accidents in this particular area of the bay.

Location: Sussex County

Inception: 1885

Website: http://delaware-baylights.20fr.com/EastEndLighthouse.html

GPS coordinates: 38.79713,-75.09997

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10