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A step back in time at Fort Miles
John Kelly takes aim with one of Fort Miles’ 3-inch guns during a firing demonstration.
April 29, 2019
Each spring, the Fort Miles Historical Association and Delaware State Parks host Delaware Goes to War at the historic site in Cape Henlopen State Park used to defend Delaware Bay from a possible German attack during World War II. Reenactors from throughout the region bring World War II equipment and vehicles to display as part of the living history program.
John Kelly takes aim with one of Fort Miles’ 3-inch guns during a firing demonstration.
A World War II half-track rolls toward Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park.
Re-enactors line up in formation at the start of the Delaware Goes to War open house at Fort Miles.
Re-enactor Dave Kormanicki of Oxford, Pa., a member of of the 28th Signal Company, operates an authentic World War II communications center.
Re-enactor James Hattier of the Dagsboro area prepares to fire a machine gun mounted on his Jeep.
World-War II vehicles, including a Duck amphibious troop and goods carrier, are lined up for visitors to inspect near the Fort Miles barracks.
Paul Yeager of Lewes drives his restored Russian motorcycle on the streets of Fort Miles.
Re-enactor James Hattier of the Millville area, right, gives gun-firing instructions to John Douds of Selbyville.
Katherine Shoup of Glen Bernie, Md., creates a scene that could have been witnessed 75 years ago.
Re-enactor Tristan Bohannon of Reading, Pa., a member of the 505th Airborne Co., poses by a Willey’s World War II Jeep.
Re-enactor John Brindle of Chambersburg, Pa., says he wants to educate people about World War II history with his collection of authentic memorabilia. He had two uncles fight in the war.
Tours of Battery 519, which houses the Fort Miles Museum, are a popular part of the event. The highlight is a chance to see and “fire” the massive 12-inch gun.
Christine Pinder of Townsend, shown in Battery 519, is one of the artists taking part in the second annual sketching contest.
Jamie Harper explains how the historic fire towers were used to line up targets for the guns at Fort Miles. Harper is a member of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware Living History Association.
John Kelly, left, and Tom Minto prepare to fire one of Fort Miles’ 3-inch artillery guns.
Smoke and noise erupts from a Fort Miles’ 3-inch gun during one of two firing demonstrations.
Olivia Crass of Ocean View sings World War II-era songs in the fort’s U.S.O. Pavilion.
Artist Teresa Rodriquez braves a cold wind to draw outside as part of Fort Miles’ second annual sketching contest.
A line of restored Willey’s Jeeps is on display in the new Fort Miles parking lot.
“Kilroy Was Here,” painted on a Jeep at the Fort Miles event, is graffiti associated with World War II GIs who would scribble the artwork at locations they passed through.
Sheila Gladfelter of Winchester, Va., brings Skydancer to Fort Miles for a second year.
Fort Miles was busy during the annual spring open house.
