Fenwick Island Lighthouse
103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, USA
Name and Location
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is located at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, USA, situated on the southern coast of Fenwick Island, Delaware, approximately 18 miles south of the Maryland-Delaware border.
2. Construction and History
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse was built in 1896 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Designed by architect James J. Taylor, the lighthouse features a distinctive red brick tower with a square base and a pyramidal roof. The structure stands at an impressive height of 62 feet (19 meters) and has a focal plane of 54 feet (16 meters).
3. Architecture and Materials
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is constructed from red brick, with a square base and a pyramidal roof.
4. Light and Navigation
The original Fresnel lens was installed in 1896 and remained operational until 1925, when it was replaced with a modern electric beacon. In 1950, the lighthouse was automated, and its manual operation ceased. The light characteristic is a fixed white light with a range of approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers).
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, but entry into the tower itself is not permitted. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent coastal dunes.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
The lives and experiences of former lighthouse keepers are documented in local archives and oral traditions, providing a glimpse into the daily routines and challenges faced by these vital maritime guardians. The lighthouse has witnessed several significant events in maritime history, including the passage of World War II-era ships and the rescue of stranded sailors during intense storms.
8. Technical and Operational Details
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
9. Further Information
- National Register of Historic Places: 99001634
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: www.dnrec.delaware.gov
- Ocean City, Maryland: www.oceancitymd.com
Details
| Name | Fenwick Island Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Ocean City |
| Country | Usa |
| Coordinates | 38.4513619, -75.0549485 |
| Year of construction | 1896 |
| Events | passage of World War II-era ships; rescue of stranded sailors during intense storms |
| Historic significance | listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#99001634) and important part of Delaware's maritime heritage |
| Keeper stories | documented in local archives and oral traditions |
| Stories | lives and experiences of former lighthouse keepers are documented in local archives and oral traditions |
| Architectural style | red brick tower with a square base and a pyramidal roof |
| Architect | James J. Taylor |
| Construction material | "red brick" |
| Focal height | 54 |
| Tower height | 62 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Renovations | automated in 1950 |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | coastal dunes and sandy beaches |
| View description | breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, with the nearby Assawoman Bay and Sinepuxent Bay visible on clear days |
| Guided tours | false |
| Facilities | picnic areas, hiking trails, beach activities |
| Opening hours | open year-round, sunrise to sunset |
| Nearby attractions | ["Fenwick Island State Park","Ocean City Boardwalk","Assawoman Bay"] |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | "fixed white light with a range of approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers)" |
| Light range | 12 |
| Automated | true |