Gov. John Carney joined Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the newly-rehabilitated World War II Fire Control Tower 3 in Delaware Seashore State Park (DSSP). Visitors to Towers Beach along Route 1 in the park can now walk up the nearly 100 spiral steps to the top of Tower 3, which was built to help protect the Delaware coastline during the Second World War.

Tower 3 is one of 15 fire control towers built as part of Fort Miles, now part of Cape Henlopen State Park, during World War II. Eleven towers were constructed in Delaware while another four were across the Delaware Bay in New Jersey. While Fort Miles never had to engage enemy warships during World War II, the soldiers stationed at this tower practiced regularly to be thoroughly prepared.

“These World War II era towers are iconic landmarks of Delaware’s coastline,” said Gov. John Carney. “I’m glad that Tower 3 has been preserved so future generations can learn about Delaware’s history while enjoying our beautiful state parks. I want to thank DNREC, the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation, Delmarva Veterans Builders, and members of the General Assembly for making this landmark accessible to the public.”

The project highlights the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s strong partnerships with volunteer groups like the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation (DSPF) and the Fort Miles Historical Association, local legislators and various area stakeholders, all of whom came together to bring this project to fruition.

The endeavor to open the tower to the public began more than 15 years ago when the DSPF the non-profit organization that supports Delaware Seashore State Park, launched its “Save the Tower” fundraising efforts. Donations started to take off just before being delayed by The Great Recession, and the project was delayed. The DSPF continued to raise funds to bring Tower 3 back to life and by 2019, enough money had been raised to commence construction.

“Many people have been waiting for the day they can walk to the top of Tower 3. We are honored and proud to preserve this piece of Delaware’s World War II history and excited for visitors to learn about and enjoy it,” said. DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “A trip to the tower makes a great excuse to get outside on Earth Day and enjoy views of the ocean, beach, dunes and inland bays. The wetlands visible to the south are some of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, right here in Delaware.”

The rehabilitation project cost approximately $1.7 million, of which $500,000 was raised by the DSPF from multiple sources, and with $300,000 contributed via Community Transportation Funds from all Sussex County Legislators who served during the 151st Delaware General Assembly.

Construction was led by Delmarva Veterans Builders and included installation of modern features along with restoration of the tower’s ships ladders; installation of an entry ramp and sidewalk; a metal spiral staircase to the top; lighting; a fire alarm system; replacement of windows on the bottom level; a handrail and netting system at the top of the tower for safety; and interpretive elements that will enable the public to understand the important role fire control towers played in World War II. A separate project to pave the Towers Beach parking lot and replace its bathhouse ramp was also recently completed.

Following today’s ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed an ice cream social as they waited their turn to go to the top of Tower 3. Honored guests included WWII Veterans and Delawareans Ernie Marvel and Herb Faulls; the family of the late Dr. Gary Wray, Fort Miles Historical Association co-founder; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II, and William C. Grayson, author of the book “Delaware’s Ghost Towers: The Coast Artillery’s Forgotten Last Stand During the Darkest Days of World War II.”

The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation manages more historic structures than any other entity in the state. The rehabilitation of Tower 3, a long time in the making, was a unique project to tackle, and will serve as a tourist destination for years to come. Tower 3 also is the second fire control tower the division has opened to the public in Delaware State Parks, following Tower 7, known as The Observatory, and located within Cape Henlopen State Park near Fort Miles.