Fenwick Island Light facts for kids

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Delaware, United States. It stands right on the border between Delaware and Maryland. This lighthouse was built in 1858, making it the oldest lighthouse still standing in Delaware.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

Lighthouses are tall towers with bright lights. They help ships find their way and avoid dangerous areas, especially at night or in bad weather. The Fenwick Island Lighthouse has been a guide for sailors for a very long time.

Building the Lighthouse

In 1856, the United States Congress decided to build a lighthouse on Fenwick Island. They set aside $25,000 for the project. On January 11, 1858, a piece of land, about ten acres, was bought for only $50.

The lighthouse was finished on December 29, 1858. However, its light did not shine until August 1, 1859. U.S. Army Captain William F. Raynolds oversaw its construction. The lighthouse was built on a quiet piece of land in the very southern part of Delaware. This spot was right at the Maryland state line.

The lighthouse stands 87 feet tall. It is made of brick and has a spiral staircase inside. It was equipped with a special light called a third-order Fresnel lens. This type of lens helps make the light very bright and focused.

A New Purpose: Automation and Rebirth

In 1940, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse became automated. This meant that machines took over the job of lighting and maintaining the lamp. There was no longer a need for a lighthouse keeper to live there.

The lighthouse was turned off in 1978 and stayed dark for several years. But people wanted to save it! A group of citizens worked hard to bring it back to life. Because of their efforts, the lighthouse was given to the State of Delaware. It was relit in 1982, shining its light once more.

In 1997, the lighthouse was getting old and needed repairs. People raised money to fix it up. After a lot of work, it was fully restored. The lighthouse was celebrated again in July 1998.

Visiting the Lighthouse Today

Today, the State of Delaware owns the lighthouse. A group called the "New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse" helps take care of it. This group is a private, non-profit organization.

The lighthouse used to be in a very isolated area. Now, it is surrounded by houses and businesses. Visitors can go inside the base of the lighthouse. There, you can find a small museum and a gift shop. However, visitors are not allowed to climb to the top of the lighthouse.

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.