Let’s rewind back 151 years to a remarkable event that took place right here in the Mispillion Harbor on June 27, 1873 – the lighting of the Mispillion Lighthouse! Before that day, mariners were without a light to guide their path near the mouth of the Mispillion for the previous 13 years. After years of complaints, Congress finally approved $5,000 for a new light to be constructed, which would serve as the third lighthouse to be built at the Mispillion Harbor. 

The first, original lighthouse, was constructed in 1831, and then rebuilt in 1839 after inspections revealed it was in great disrepair. The second light was built some years later but torn down in 1859 after a report to congress deemed the light was no longer necessary due to low water depth at the entrance of the Mispillion River. 

However, this third lighthouse built in 1873 would be used for over 50 years, remaining in service until 1929 when it was replaced by a steel tower beacon. In 1932, the lighthouse was sold to a private owner for $400 and would stand at the mouth of the Mispillion for the next 90 years until it was struck by lightning and burned on May 2, 2002. The remaining structure was then sold to new owners who eventually restored parts of it and moved it to Shipcarpenter’s Square in Lewes, where it stands to this day. 

Thanks to guest authors from Dupont Nature Center: Manager Patrick Ruhl, who studied history at Flagler College and UC San Diego, and Joseph Linsenmeyer, currently a student at Johns Hopkins University and 2024 Summer Historical Intern . Information from Delaware Archives.