Fort Miles
Delaware's War Fortress
State: Delaware
County: Sussex County
Founded: 1941
Abandoned: 1991
Peak Population: 2,500
Fort Miles was built after Pearl Harbor to defend the Delaware Bay and Philadelphia shipyards. Massive 16-inch guns could fire 25 miles. After the war, it served as a Nike missile site. Now part of Cape Henlopen State Park with tours of bunkers and gun emplacements.
WWII Defense
Harbor Entrance Control Post coordinated defenses with mines, submarines nets, and long-range guns.
Cold War
After WWII, Fort Miles became a Nike missile site until that program ended in the 1970s.
Timeline
- 1941 - Built Construction after Pearl Harbor
- 1945 - WWII Ends Major operations end
- 1991 - Closed Final military use ended
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 2 hours
Quick Facts
- 16-inch guns could fire 25 miles
- Hidden bunkers in the dunes
- Part of Cape Henlopen State Park
Location
Address: Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Coordinates: 38.8011, -75.0908