Fenwick Shoals in the Atlantic at Fenwick Island

How dangerous were the Fenwick Shoals to mariners and ships a century ago?

The Fenwick Shoals, located off the coast of Fenwick Island, Delaware, have historically been a dangerous area for mariners and ships. The shallow waters and shifting sands of the shoals have posed a significant navigational hazard for vessels traveling along the coast.

Fenwick Shoals Quote Image

Many ships were known to have run aground on the Fenwick Shoals, causing significant damage and loss of life. As a result, the United States government decided to build a lighthouse on the shoals to help guide ships safely through the area. The Fenwick Island Lighthouse was completed in 1858 and has been in operation ever since, helping to reduce the number of shipwrecks and improve navigational safety in the region.

fenwick's island lighthouse architectural drawing
Fenwick’s Island Lighthouse Architectural Drawing

Today, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse continues to serve as an important navigational aid for mariners traveling along the coast. While modern navigation technology has greatly reduced the dangers posed by the Fenwick Shoals, the lighthouse remains a symbol of the challenges faced by sailors and ships in the past, and a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who sought to improve safety at sea.

fenwick island lighthouse lens
Fenwick Island Lighthouse Lens

Fenwick Island Lighthouse Photographs

Original wall art photography by Fenwick Island local, Bill Swartwout Photography

The Fenwick Island Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses on Delmarva and the Eastern Shore.

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse Station is a popular tourist attraction for visitors to both Fenwick Island, Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland. The lighthouse was built in 1858 and serves an an historic monument to the early days of nautical navigation. This structure is photographed thousands of times each year by the many people visiting here.

fenwick island lighthouse street view

Captured in stunning detail, our photographs are perfect for framing and hanging on your walls.

lighthouse with distracting wires and a pole

Most “touristy” pictures are usually little more than snapshots and include myriad distractions. Those distractions always include the many electric lines and the large utilities pole in front of the lighthouse. Those snapshots are also marred by people wandering by, cars in the way and possibly even litter in the streets. Bill’s photographs have many distractions (wires) edited out and time is taken to make sure tourists and cars are not in the way. Can you get rid of the wires and the pole in the image to the right?

These photographs will make wonderful gifts for your friends, family and loved ones.

Perhaps you would like to decorate your home with a remarkable image of your visit to the beach or you may want to gift someone with a photograph or home décor piece. If so, this is the place to browse and shop.

Click on the link below to purchase your framed print or home décor item today!

Link to: Bill’s Fenwick Island Lighthouse Collection.

Link to: Bill’s full Online Gallery.

Link to visit the: Fenwick Island Lighthouse Online Gift Shop.

fenwick island lighthosue in black and white
Most images are also available in stunning Black & White imagery.