1918 Map of Cape Henlopen

About this map

Lewes serves as the focal point for this maritime landscape at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, where the coastline curves toward the Atlantic Ocean. During this period just after the Great War, the area functioned as a vital naval and commercial junction, anchored by the Breakwater Harbor and the Harbor of Refuge. The map reveals an intricate network of coastal navigation aids, including the Cape Henlopen Light and Brandywine Shoal Light, alongside a Quarantine station and multiple Coast Guard stations. Inland, the economy is defined by the convergence of the Maryland Delaware and Virginia and Philadelphia Baltimore and Washington railroads. Small crossroads like Wescoat Corners and Murray Corners suggest a rural interior supporting the busy port, while features like Red Mill Pond and the West Hill School provide a look at the social and industrial layout of Sussex County before significant modern development.