The Observation Tower at Big Stone Beach stands as a rare and enduring reminder of Delaware’s coastal defense system during the early 20th century. Constructed between World War I and World War II, this metal tower was one of five observation towers built across the state to reinforce nearby Fort Saulsbury, a key military installation designed to protect the Delaware Bay and surrounding coastline.

A Lasting Sentinel of Delaware’s Coastal Defense

A Strategic Landmark on Delaware’s Shoreline

Positioned along the shore, the tower played a critical role in monitoring maritime activity during a period when coastal security was considered essential to national defense.

Part of Fort Saulsbury’s Fire Control System

The Observation Tower at Big Stone Beach was an integral component of Fort Saulsbury’s fire control system. Unlike gun emplacements, observation towers served as elevated vantage points from which military personnel could visually track ships and potential enemy targets approaching the coast.

Information gathered from the tower was relayed directly to Fort Saulsbury, allowing artillery units to calculate distance, direction, and firing solutions with greater accuracy. Each observation tower was assigned to support a specific gun battery at the fort, making precision and clear communication vital to the system’s effectiveness.

Design and Construction of the Observation Towers

Built primarily from metal framing and corrugated siding, the observation towers were engineered for durability and function rather than ornamentation. Each tower featured two or three observation decks, stacked vertically to provide multiple sightlines over the water.

These decks allowed observers to track targets at varying distances and elevations, ensuring accurate coordination with the fort’s coastal artillery. The utilitarian design reflects the military priorities of the era: efficiency, resilience, and clear visibility.

Life and Duties at the Tower

Military personnel stationed at the Observation Tower at Big Stone Beach were tasked with constant vigilance. Their duties included scanning the horizon for vessels, identifying potential threats, confirming targets, and communicating real-time data back to Fort Saulsbury.

Although the tower never saw direct combat, it represented a critical link in the broader coastal defense network. Its presence alone served as a deterrent and symbolized the seriousness with which the United States approached homeland defense during both world wars.

The Only Remaining Tower Supporting Fort Saulsbury

Today, the Observation Tower at Big Stone Beach holds unique historical significance. It is the only surviving observation tower that once supported Fort Saulsbury. The fort itself was officially decommissioned in 1946, following the end of World War II and changes in military technology that rendered fixed coastal artillery obsolete.

While the other towers have been lost to time, development, or removal, this structure remains as a tangible connection to Delaware’s military past.

A Preserved Piece of Coastal History

Now standing quietly along the shoreline, the Observation Tower at Big Stone Beach offers visitors a glimpse into an era when coastal observation and manual communication were central to national defense. It serves as both a historical landmark and a reminder of the people who once stood watch over the Delaware coast, safeguarding it during uncertain times.