Harbor of Refuge Delaware - West End
Harbour Lights #368

In 1825, the United States Congress appropriated the first funds for the construction of the Delaware Breakwater, a project that would take 44 years to complete. Secretary of War, Redfield Proctor, commissioned the Army Corps of Engineers to build a national Harbor of Refuge for deep-draft vessels. Unfortunately, the original project proved to be inadequate. It was decided to build a breakwater on the west side of the main ship channel to meet the needs of the growing fleet.

In May 1897, construction of a new 7,950’ breakwater, 1.25 miles, north of the original, began. Over four years, the breakwater and the ice piers, at the upper end of the harbor were complete, the cost $2.2million.The newly created harbor was named the National Harbor of Refuge.

Realizing the unmarked breakwater would be a danger for mariners, temporary beacons were placed at both ends of the breakwater, while the debate for a permanent light continued. The lights were exhibited for the first time 1 January 1901. A year later, a fierce storm with winds of over 85 miles per hour, swept away the 800-pound fog bell and a 30’ tower! In April 1904, a replacement tower and fog bell were built on the breakwater, while debate continued.

It was June 1907 when excavation began and after eighteen months the light was complete. On 20 November 1908, a flashing white light every 12 seconds was established. After 18 years, time, rough seas and countless storms took their toll. A 1918 storm caused the lighthouse to shift 2” off its foundation and a second storm in 1920 caused the light to shift another 2”. On 12 April 1926, Keeper Robert Taylor extinguished the light!

On April 15, 1926, construction of a new cast iron 76’ tower began! The three story, white, cast iron tower, built on a foundation of cast iron caisson and rock with its circular watch room and lantern room housed a Fourth Order Fresnel Lens.

The light was automated, in 1973 with Officer Angelo Rigazio locking the doors for the final time!

Through the efforts of the Delaware River and Bay Foundation, on 21 June 2003, DRBL President Harry Spencer conducted the first public tour of the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse.