Share: 

The Overlook offers ‘million-dollar view’

Fort Miles Historical Association provides a unique wedding venue
February 11, 2021

Story Location:
Fort Miles
Lewes, DE 19958
United States

The military chose to build Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen because of its unique position at the mouth of Delaware Bay. The view was unmatched. Soldiers could easily monitor shipping traffic entering and leaving the bay during the World War II era. 

Little did those who served at Battery 519 know that nearly a century later, their workplace would be a highly sought-after wedding venue. The selling point today is exactly the same as it was for the military in the 1930s: the view. 

“That’s a million-dollar view right there,” said Will Short of the Fort Miles Historical Association, which renovated the northern end of Battery 519 in 2018 and 2019 to create The Overlook, a one-of-a-kind event venue. 

“The view is unmatched,” said Gina Derrickson, event manager for The Overlook. 

About five years ago, the association sought to find new revenue sources to sustain its museum operations. Prior to opening the museum for private events, the association’s funding was through annual membership dues from its 400 members and grants from the state. The museum collection continues to grow each year, and in turn, maintenance costs continue to rise. 

In fall 2018, a two-tiered concrete pad totaling about 4,800 square feet was constructed to overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The Harbor of Refuge and Delaware Breakwater East End lighthouses are also easily seen.

Then in early 2019, crews removed an exterior cinder-block wall that was built after the military decommissioned the fort. It was replaced by a window wall and a door to provide direct access from the former gun room to the new overlook. The 2,400-square-foot gun room was also renovated. Acoustic panels were added to eliminate echoes, a new HVAC system provides climate control, and fresh carpet and two large televisions make the space more attractive. The gun pit was covered, but is being used to store the association’s IT equipment. 

The renovations were made possible thanks to a grant from the Longwood Foundation. But work is not yet complete, Short said. 

Right now, guests are driven by golf cart from the parking lot to the south battery entrance. They check in and leave their coats in the south gun room. From there, they walk up a long hallway to the north end where the wedding or event is set up. Some wedding parties have hung lights from the ceiling the entire 200-plus feet to add life to the walk. For an extra fee, the association will open the museum collection. Docents will be stationed at various exhibits to explain artifacts and their significance as guests make their way up to the wedding area, enjoy the cocktail hour or just take a short break from the festivities. 

“I’ve seen that happen, and it’s just incredible,” Derrickson said. 

In 2021, the association plans to pave a new path to the north entrance of the battery so guests can be driven closer to the event area. 

The space has been used for several weddings since construction finished in 2019, but Short said he can’t wait until the pandemic passes to really see how well the venue thrives. 

Derrickson said the phone has been ringing off the hook recently, with most people inquiring about events for 2022 or later. 

“Everything about this venue is beautiful,” she said. “The drive through the state park, the uniqueness of the bunker – and the view from the overlook is just unmatched,” she said. 

There are various options for those interested in renting space. To learn more, email youroverlookwedding@gmail.com or call Derrickson at 302-541-6321 Derrickson is available to take interested couples for a tour of the facility. She also provides a list of recommended vendors.  The space’s uniqueness has provided challenges for caterers and other vendors, but some have figured out an approach that works well, she said. Derrickson is also on site during events to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. 

 

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter