1920 war department respond to cape lighthouse aid.

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

1920 WAR DEPARTMENT DOOMS CAPE HENLOPEN LIGHT

The July 15, 1920 , Wilmington Morning News reports that Delaware Representative,

Dr. Layton's request for assistance , receive bad news from the War Department which

told Layton the action of the ocean seas is to blame for the erosion of the Cape Henlopen

Light House off Lewes capes.

The War Department said the dune threatened is due to the natural action of the sea and

the northeast gales, the construction of the Delaware Breakwater had no effect upon

this action.

Since 1847 charts show that the shore line to the south below Cape Henlopen has been

and still is wearing away but making a move north. A Civil Bill in Delaware has an

appropriation for erection of another lighthouse to take place of the Cape Light.

Layton has said they could have preserved the point of the cape by sinking a scrap

vessel, full of concrete, in a proper place to form a breakwater to protect the Cape

Henlopen Lighthouse foundation.

ABSTRACT: July 15 1920 Wilmington Morning News .