Liston Range Rear Light photo
ParkDelaware, US

Liston Range Rear Light

The Liston Range Rear Light is Delaware's tallest lighthouse and a striking example of maritime engineering.

About

The Liston Range Rear Light is Delaware's tallest lighthouse and a striking example of maritime engineering. This impressive skeletal iron tower, standing 127 feet high, has guided ships along the treacherous Delaware River since its relocation in 1906, embodying a rich history of navigation and perseverance. It is a unique landmark, renowned for being the only range light on the Delaware River to still house its powerful Second Order Fresnel lens, a testament to its enduring historical significance and a marvel of optical engineering.

While the lighthouse grounds are privately owned and generally closed to the public, its majestic structure can be appreciated from a respectful distance. The tower's intricate wrought-iron framework and the sheer scale of the light create a compelling visual against the backdrop of the Delaware landscape, hinting at the vital role it plays in guiding vessels up and down the busy waterway. It stands as a silent sentinel, connecting past and present maritime traditions.

Visiting the Liston Range Rear Light offers a unique opportunity to witness a significant piece of American lighthouse history. Its remote, inland location, three miles from its companion Liston Range Front Light, adds to its intriguing character, making it a memorable stop for those with an appreciation for historical architecture and the enduring legacy of the U.S. Lighthouse Service. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.

The Liston Range Rear Light boasts a fascinating and complex history. Originally constructed in 1876-1877 as the Port Penn Rear Range Lighthouse, the 120-foot wrought iron tower was built by the Kellogg Bridge Company of Buffalo, New York. Its initial purpose was to guide ships through a specific channel until changes in the Delaware shipping channel necessitated a new navigational range. In 1904, the Port Penn Range was decommissioned, and rather than building a new structure, the U.S. Lighthouse Service ingeniously disassembled the Port Penn Rear Light and re-erected it at its current location to serve as the Liston Range Rear Light. By 1906, a powerful Second Order Fresnel lens, manufactured by Barbier, Benard & Turenne of Paris, France, was installed, enhancing its navigational capabilities. The lighthouse was automated in 1976 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. In 2020, the lighthouse property was reunited under single private ownership.

What to do here

Visitors can observe the imposing structure of the lighthouse from the road or designated public vantage points nearby. Photography of the historical tower against the natural Delaware landscape is popular.

Seasonal info

The lighthouse can be viewed year-round. Fall foliage might add aesthetic appeal to the surrounding trees, while clear winter days could offer stark, dramatic photographic conditions. Be mindful of summer heat and humidity, and potential overgrowth around the private property.

Accessibility

The lighthouse itself and its immediate grounds are privately owned and not publicly accessible. Viewing is typically from public roads, which would be generally accessible. There are no designated accessible trails or facilities at the lighthouse site itself.

Don't miss

1

The 127-foot Skeletal Iron Tower

Delaware's tallest lighthouse and a marvel of late 19th-century engineering.

2

Historical Significance

Its unique history of relocation and continuous service as a crucial navigational aid.

3

Second Order Fresnel Lens (interior)

While not accessible for direct viewing, the knowledge that this rare and powerful lens is still housed within is a key highlight.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Respect Private Property

** The lighthouse and its grounds are privately owned. Do not trespass or attempt to access the tower or private dwellings.

Photography

Bring a good camera with a zoom lens to capture detailed shots of the tower from a distance. Consider different times of day for varied lighting.

Parking

Be aware that there is no accessible parking directly at the lighthouse. Find safe, legal roadside parking if available, or view from a vehicle.

Combine with other sites

Consider visiting other historical sites in the Port Penn or Delaware City area to make a full day trip exploring local history.

Roadside Viewing

The lighthouse is visible from County Road 2 (Port Penn Road). Exercise caution if pulling over on the roadside.

Frequently asked questions

No, the Liston Range Rear Light and its immediate grounds are privately owned, and the tower and dwellings are closed to the public. Visitors can only view the lighthouse from a respectful distance from public access points.
The Liston Range Rear Light is located near Port Penn, Delaware, approximately three miles inland from the Delaware River. It can be viewed from County Road 2 (Port Penn Road), about half a mile east of Highway 13 at Biddle's Corner.
The Liston Range Rear Light is unique for several reasons: it is the tallest lighthouse in Delaware (127 feet), it was famously relocated from its original Port Penn site in 1906, and it is the only range light on the Delaware River that still retains its powerful Second Order Fresnel lens.

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