Fort Miles Historical Association and Mid-Atlantic Center for Arts & Humanities organized a tour to the World War II defenses of Cape May, New Jersey, for FMHA members March 22. Thirty-seven FMHA members registered for the trip that included a ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, touring on a MAC trolley, and an excellent lunch at Verna’s Flight Line Diner. Cape May Military Reservation was a sub-post of Fort Miles. The Army built several gun batteries, fire control towers, radars, searchlights and other defenses during World War II. The coast artillery included 155 mm GPF, 6-inch Shield Barbette, and 90 mm AMTB weapons.
The first stop was Fire Control Tower No. 23 museum for a private tour. Visitors can climb a spiral staircase to the top to see restored fire control stations with WWII period equipment. FMHA members enjoyed comparing this tower with Delaware’s FC Tower 3 and FC Tower 7 that have been restored and are open to the public. FC Tower 23 included assignments for Battery Hunter, Battery 519 and Battery Smith at Fort Miles. The next stop was Cape May State Park to see Battery 223 (two 6-inch shielded guns). Erosion has left this battery structure on the beach, and it normally is sealed. A few energetic FMHA members, however, visited the structure’s interior. Enroute to the trolley, several FMHA members were brave enough to climb the Cape May Lighthouse for an excellent view. The trolley took us to the center of town to look at Fire Control Tower 24 from the outside because the Grand Hotel’s buildings surround the concrete tower, and its access is controlled by the hotel.
After a photo stop, we went to the former Naval Air Station Wildwood, which was a Navy training base for dive bombers during WWII. First stop at the former base was Verna’s Flight Line Diner, where Reuben sandwiches were popular with FMHA members. We then walked to the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum across the street in one of the original Navy hangars. We were treated to a guided tour of the very extensive collection of aviation artifacts and aircraft. The museum’s displays provided great ideas for possible displays at Fort Miles Museum. We walked across the street to the Forgotten Warriors Vietnam Museum. This private museum has a wonderful collection of weapons and personal items from the Vietnam War. Large static displays of military items used during the Vietnam War are outside the museum.
We spotted a 12-inch projectile in the museum’s collection, which is not a Vietnam War item, and hope to acquire it. The projectile would be an excellent artifact for display near the 12-inch artillery gun in our South Gun Room.
The last stop was Cape May Brewing Co. Tasting Room & Brewtique, where FMHA members celebrated a rewarding day with a wide selection of custom beers. Our last trolley ride was to the Cape May Ferry Terminal where we boarded the last ferry for the day to Lewes and home.
FMHA members who took the trip reported an excellent time exploring part of Fort Miles’ defenses that we rarely see. Discussions are underway for a day tour for FMHA members this fall/winter. We are considering a visit to the “other Fort Miles” that defended the other end of the Delmarva Peninsula – Fort John Custis – at Cape Charles, Virginia.
These tours are only open to FMHA members. Join Fort Miles Historical Association today to be eligible for these trips. To join, click here and follow the instructions on our website.
