1954 Map of Cape Henlopen

About this map

Cape Henlopen serves as the focal point for this mid-century maritime study, marking the convergence of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The landscape is dominated by the sprawling U S Military Reservation (Fort Miles), a site of significant coastal defense infrastructure characterized by several numbered observation posts like Tower No 8 and Tower No 5. Adjacent to the historic town of Lewes, the shoreline reveals a complex system of breakwaters protecting the Harbor of Refuge and Breakwater Harbor, essential for navigation in these treacherous waters. Inland, the terrain transitions into the Flat Sands and Sand Dunes, with the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal providing a vital inland waterway. The presence of the Coast Guard Station and the Overfalls Lightship offshore highlights the area's ongoing importance to maritime safety and navigation.