Reedy Island facts for kids
Reedy Island as it appeared while in use as a quarantine facility
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 Reedy Island
Location in Delaware
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Delaware River |
| Coordinates | 39°30′55″N 75°33′47″W / 39.51528°N 75.56306°W |
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United States
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| State | Delaware |
| County | New Castle County |
Reedy Island is a small island located in the middle of the Delaware River. It is found near where the river meets the Delaware Bay in the U.S. state of Delaware.
The island is about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Port Penn, Delaware. It is also about 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Salem, New Jersey. Reedy Island has played an important role in guiding ships and keeping people safe from diseases.
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What is Reedy Island?
Reedy Island is a very small piece of land in the water. It sits right in the main shipping channel of the Delaware River. This river is a busy waterway for boats and ships.
Because of its location, Reedy Island was a perfect spot for certain important buildings. These buildings helped with river travel and public health.
Where is Reedy Island Located?
Reedy Island is part of New Castle County, Delaware. It is close to the mouth of the Delaware River. This is where the river opens up into the larger Delaware Bay.
The island is not far from the land on either side of the river. It is easy to see from both Delaware and New Jersey.
Reedy Island's Important History
Reedy Island has a rich history. It was once home to a special station that helped control diseases. It also had important lights to guide ships.
These facilities were very important for people traveling by sea. They helped keep both sailors and people on land safe.
Guiding Ships: The Lighthouses
For many years, Reedy Island was home to two important lights. These were the Reedy Island Range Front Light and the Reedy Island Range Rear Light. Lighthouses and range lights help ships find their way safely. They show sailors where the deep channels are.
The Reedy Island Range Rear Light was first built in 1910. It is located nearby in a place called Taylors Bridge. The United States Coast Guard still operates this light today. The house where the lighthouse keeper lived was unfortunately destroyed in 2002.
Keeping People Safe: The Quarantine Station
Reedy Island was also the site of a Quarantine Station. A quarantine station is a place where people or goods are kept separate. This happens if they might have a contagious disease.
When ships arrived from other countries, they would stop at the quarantine station. Doctors would check the passengers and crew. This was to make sure no one was bringing a serious illness into the country. This station helped protect the health of people living in Delaware and nearby states.
