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Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse

F R🇺🇸Delaware, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse

Constructed in 1915, the Marcus Hook Range Rear Light stands 32 meters tall. Its focal plane reaches 85 meters above sea level, casting a red light. This structure guides vessels navigating a range on the Delaware River. The lighthouse is situated near Bellefonte, Delaware. It became operational in 1915.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the highest light on the Atlantic coast of the United States.

Background
Marcus Hook Range Rear Light is a lighthouse near Bellefonte, Delaware marking a range on the Delaware River. It is the highest light on the Atlantic coast of the United States. The lighthouse is visible on the horizon from the windows of high-rise buildings in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F R
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Focal Height
85m

Construction & History

Year Built
1915
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q6758236 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
32m

Location

City
Delaware
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
39.7622°
Longitude
-75.5030°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Marcus Hook Range Rear displays the characteristic F R. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Wilmington at 2.6 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Penns Grove (3.2 NM SSE), Marcus Hook (5.1 NM NE), Winterthur (5.7 NM WNW), Logan Township (7.2 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse?+
Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Marcus Hook Range Rear Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.