Cape Henlopen has always been a hazard to ships, but thanks to the most famous Delaware lighthouse, it has become safer year after year. When the original Cape Henlopen Beacon was decommissioned in 1884 due to erosion and shifting sand, a new lighthouse was rapidly built to take its place. Since then, the Breakwater East End Light has become one of Delaware's most iconic fixtures, and one of the most photographed landmarks in the state.
For more than a century, visitors to Lewes or sailors who pass through the Delaware Bay near Cape Henlopen have been greeted by this large, looming, red and white lighthouse. It's easy to spot from miles and miles away!
Before the lighthouse was automated, it was said to be a difficult one to man. Cape Henlopen's constant fog meant a constant fog signal blaring, and in 1905, a record-setting 645 hours were spent loudly warning sailors of danger in the mist.
In the summer, you can get a unique look at the lighthouse by booking an outing with Cape Henlopen Tours and Taxi. They'll take you right up to explore it!
Over its lifetime, it worked with the Harbor of Refuge Light to mark the safe entry into the Delaware Bay. It was deactivated in 1996 after it became clear that the placement of the Harbor of Refuge Light was enough to keep ships safe.
It's no surprise to anyone who spends time at the beach that this lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks in Delaware. It seems like everyone has snapped a picture of it at sunrise, or sunset!
Everyone knows that Delaware is the First State, but did you know how many Delaware firsts we can claim responsibility for? Our little state is a big pioneer - look at all of the things we started!
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1. The University of Delaware was the first to offer a Study Abroad program, in 1923.
On December 7, 1787, Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution.
That "Delaware started chicken" story is probably our favorite bit of Delaware lore! Did you know about any of these things Delaware did first? If so, which ones? What's your favorite story from Delaware's history? Do you know about any other Delaware inventions?
We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
The First State is one of the smallest states, but that doesn't mean that there aren't quite a few famous people from Delaware. It's pretty surprising how many cool inventions were made in Delaware, but there are also quite a few celebrities that have called this place home at some point. Looking at a list, it's pretty amazing how many celebrities born in Delaware there are. Who knew that so much talent could come from one little state?! From TV stars to world-famous athletes, these famous people of Delaware have made a huge impact, not just in the mid-Atlantic, but on the entire world. Did you know about these famous people that have lived in Delaware?
You probably know this queen of deadpan as a longtime resident of the (fictional) town of Pawnee, Indiana, from her iconic long-running role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation. However, she was born right here in Wilmington, Delaware. Besides her most famous role, she's also played in several major films, like Funny People and the cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
This New Castle native heartthrob skyrocketed to fame in the late 1990s. Roles like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Cruel Intentions made him a household name.
This Wilmington-born basketball star has played professionally with the Chicacago Sky since 2013. She first showed her chops on the court when playing college basketball for the Delaware Blue Hens from 2009 to 2013. She was named the WBNA Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2019, and was selected to play on seven All-Star teams.
This Wilmington native gained fame for roles in classics from the 1980s, like Beverly Hills Cop and Gremlins. However, younger generations may know him better for roles in The Santa Clause film trilogy and his appearance on the hit TV show Arrested Development.
Delino DeShields was born in the riverside city of Seaford. He went on to play for five different MLB teams. He co-founded the Urban Baseball League and has managed several minor league teams since his retirement from play.
Okay, so Joe Biden wasn't technically born in Delaware. Our nation's 46th president was actually born in Pennsylvania. However, he moved to Delaware at the age of 10. He has a long history of representing the First State in the Senate starting with his first term in 1973. He was elected to the office of Vice President in 2009 under Barack Obama, and was inaugurated in himself as President in 2021.
Country singer Chuck Wicks was raised on a potato farm in Smyrna, Delaware. The singer-songwriter gained more fame when he participated in the eighth season of Dancing With The Stars with then-girlfriend Julianne Hough.
This Wilmington native is well-known for her long-running roles on One Day at a Time and Touched By An Angel. She also acted in the TV hit Hot in Cleveland and even had her own cooking show on The Food Network.
Nicknamed Goldy, this first baseman was born right here in Delaware. He has had a lengthy MLB career and played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals, as well as representing the U.S. internationally.
Sean Patrick Thomas is another honorary Delawarean. He was born in Washington D.C., but spent much of his childhood in Wilmington, Delaware. His career skyrocketed when he played opposite Julia Stiles in the 2001 hit film Save the Last Dance.
This singer-songwriter is world-famous for his 1980s rock hits with a bluesy edge, like Bad to the Bone and One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer. He has released more than 20 albums with his band, the Delaware Destroyers. Presumably, they got their name from his birthplace: Wilmington, Delaware. We love a proud Delawarean!
Elisabeth Shue is yet another native of Wilmington, Delaware. She became famous for her roles in films like The Karate Kid, Adventures in Babysitting, and the second and third installments in the Back to the Future trilogy.
This son of reggae legend Bob Marley was raised in Kingston, Jamaica, but he was actually born right here in Wilmington, Delaware. He's a member of his older brother's band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. Together, they have won half a dozen Grammy awards.
Did you know about all these famous people from Delaware? Can you think of any others that we may have forgotten to mention, or any other fun facts about the First State that you'd like to share? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
If you're proud of your Delaware heritage (and we know you are), check out the great gear available at Wear Your Roots!
