A group of Sussex County state legislators was recently given a tour of the facilities at Fort Miles, getting a look at what's been accomplished thus far and a glimpse into what the future may hold.
Fort Miles has been part of the Sussex County coastline for more than seven decades. Starting its operational life shortly before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the complex of artillery emplacements was charged with protecting the mouth of the Delaware Bay from enemy vessels. The changing nature of warfare made the facility obsolete by the mid-1950s. In 1964, the federal government returned 543 acres of former base property to the state, forming the heart of the new Cape Henlopen State Park.
Several of the fort's dense concrete bunkers that housed artillery batteries, as well as five concrete fire control towers, are still located on state park land. The towers in particular have become local icons. For the last 10 years, work has been underway to give some of these remaining artifacts a new mission and a new life.
"Our goal is the have the best World War II museum inside a World War II facility," said Dr. Gary Wray, president of the Fort Miles Historical Association. "Last year we got on the radar screen of the state legislature and we're hoping we can stay on their radar screen."
In the current fiscal year, the project received about $250,000 in state funding from various sources. Much of the money was spent on architectural planning and infrastructure work. Dr. Wray says they are hoping to receive a similar commitment in the new budget cycle.
"The legislature was great to us last year," Dr. Wray said. "We're hoping they can see the progress where the money has been put to use and the growth of the organization."
State Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Lewes/Milton, who was among the lawmakers on the recent tour, said the association has one of the most dedicated group of volunteers in the state. With approximately 300 members, last year the group's total volunteer hours were roughly equivalent to that of 40 full-time workers.
Last spring, the group scored the donation of a massive 66-foot-long barrel from a 16" gun off the decommissioned battleship USS Missouri.
Dr. Wray said the association is not looking solely to the state and has been actively raising funds from other sources, including corporate donations and contributions from the public. In fact, he noted that they are currently engaged in an effort to secure the money needed to transport the four remaining elements of the 16-inch gun needed to reassemble it for display at Fort Miles.
State Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, noted that there were two similar 16" guns at Fort Miles during the war and that the association has shown an uncommon level of "passion and dedication" in securing one for the museum.
Although years away from completion, parts of Fort Miles are currently open to visitors. Dr. Wray says the association conducted about 8,000 tours in 2012. "We'd like to get that up to about 15,000 this year," he said.
With approximately 1.5 million visitors coming to Cape Henlopen Park annually, Dr. Wray says the drawing potential for a fully operational museum could be significant.
Rep. Smyk agrees that the facility has great potential. "I can see a day where thousands of Delaware school children will regularly visit this site, not only get a better understanding of World War II, but to also experience another aspect of their unique heritage as Delawareans."
To see the Fort Miles conceptual plan, click here.