The Lighthouses of Delaware Bay

As seen on the Cover Page of this Issue of the Bay Run

Ship John Shoal Lighthouse

Was named after the Ship “John” wrecked in 1787

near the current location. of the present structure. The iron superstructure at part of

of the lighthouse exhibit at the International Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia,

was brought to the shoal and placed in position, where it became structure in 1877

The beacon, fully automated in 1973 is today still a working guide to navigation.

Elbow of Cross Ledge Light

Elbow of Cross Ledge Lighthouse is located off of Fortescue and was completed

and lit in 1910 and described as having a brown lantern on top of a red octagonal

brick dwelling, sitting on top of a brown cylindrical base.

During a hurricane in 1951, the Elbow was damaged and the 4 man crew were

removed never to return again. The Elbow was automated via underground

cable. On October 20, 1953 during a dense fog, The Elbow was struck by an

ore laden freighter, leaving only the base and about the first 10ft. of the light.

In 1954 an automated light was installed a top a red steel skeleton tower on the

original Elbow base, which remains in operation today.

Miah Maull Shoal Lighthouse

Derived its strange name for a man named Nehemiah Maull drowned at this

site in late 18^th century shipwreck. In 1909 a temporary light shone from a

cast iron shell. In 1913 the permanent light was exhibited from its 4^th order

lens visible for 15 miles. Originally painted brown, by 1941had a red tower

and watch-room, black lanternroom and grey base.1980 renovations removed

canopy covering the walkway altering its appearance. By 1973 Miah Maul

was fully automated and is still an active guide to navigation & great fishing

Fourteen Foot Bank Lighthouse

Is located in the lower part of Delaware Bay on the west side of the shipping

channel. The “Victorian” style, was the first lighthouse to be built on a

submarine foundation, caisson sunk pneumatically 20 ft into the shoal. Its

4^th order Fresnel lens was lit on Dec. 1, 1886, allowing the Fourteen Bank

Lightship to be taken off station. During 1930’s the entire cast iron structure

hip roof and privy on the railing was repainted white with black trim as it

today. Automated since 1972, its beacon provides safe passage to all ships

traveling the Delaware Bay

Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse

On the southern most part of Delaware Bay, NW of Cape May Point. It was

the first screwpile lighthouse built in the United States. Its 3^rd order Fresnel

lens shone brightly on October 28, 1850. After serving over 60 years, a new

conical structure, with less maintenance, was built on a reinforced concrete

caisson and lit on October 20, 1914.Brandywine Shoal is still an important

aid to navigation and was the last lighthouse on Delaware Bay to have a

Keeper on board! Automated in 1974…The end of a once proud era!

East Point Lighthouse

The last remaining beacon on the shoreline o Delaware Bay, was built in

1849 and commissioned in 1852. In 1941 due to the onset of WWII, its 6^th

order flashing light was extinguished so German U-Boats (known to come

into the bay) could not use it as a navigational aid. On July 15, 1971,

trespassers started a fire that gutted the roof and upper floor of the light.

Due to the effort of the Maurice River Historical Society, the USCG relit the

in July of 1960 and is today a working aid to navigation marking the

entrance channel to the Maurice River. Further restoration is taking place

and has reopen to visitors on an annual schedule For information contact

eastpointlighthousenj@yahoo.com or call (856) 546-7810

Home