1997 Map of Cape Henlopen

About this map

Cape Henlopen forms a sharp geological divide where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a complex maritime environment dominated by shifting sands and protective harbors. This late 20th-century survey details the navigational infrastructure required for this busy coastal junction, including multiple Lights, a Lighthouse, and several Lookout Towers positioned to manage traffic entering Breakwater Harbor. The landscape is a mix of conservation and research, anchored by Cape Henlopen State Park and the Univ of Del Col of Marine Studies. Inland, the terrain softens into the Sand Hill and Flat Sands areas, while coastal wetlands like Gordons Pond and the tidal reaches of Wolfe Glade define the southern marshes. Local communities such as Lewes, Gills Neck, and Wolfe Neck are shown at a time of steady coastal footprint, positioned just behind the protective barrier of the dunes.