07/28/2026
🇺🇸 Standing tall along the Delaware Bay, the World War II Lookout Tower is more than just a landmark—it's a remarkable piece of American history. Built in 1942 to help defend the coast during World War II, this historic tower has fascinating stories to tell, from spotting enemy ships to honoring the brave men and women who served. Here are a few fun facts you may not know about one of Cape May's most unique historic sites!
#1 👀It never searched for fires
Although it's called a "fire control tower," it had nothing to do with fighting fires. "Fire control" referred to controlling artillery fire. Soldiers in the tower spotted enemy ships and relayed their locations so coastal gun batteries could accurately aim their weapons.
#2🏛️ It's New Jersey's last freestanding WWII lookout tower
Of the four original towers built in New Jersey, this is the only freestanding tower still standing. Another Cape May tower is actually hidden inside the Grand Hotel, with only its top visible above the roofline.
#3🔭 Visitors can stand where WWII observers once stood
Today, visitors can climb to the sixth-floor spotting gallery, where military observers once scanned the Atlantic and Delaware Bay for enemy vessels using optical equipment.
#4🏅 It almost disappeared
After the war, the tower sat unused for decades. Thanks to a major restoration led by Cape May MAC, it reopened to the public in 2009, preserving an important piece of New Jersey's military history.
#5📍 It's on the National Register
The tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, recognizing its significance in America's coastal defense history.
