To provide an anchorage mid-way between New York harbor and the capes of Chesapeake Bay, the Harbor of Refuge breakwater was begun in 1897 and finished in late 1901.

Excavation for the foundation for the Harbor of Refuge lighthouse was begun in 1907.  A white, three story hexagonal frame structure was erected and the 4th order lens lighted for the first time in November 1908.  The fierce storms sweeping the site necessitated the demolation of the first lighthouse and its replacement by the present cast iron three story tower that went into operation in 1929.  The lighthouse was unmanned and automated in 1973.

In 2002, the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation signed a 20 year lease on the Harbor of Refuge lighthouse with the Coast Guard and now offers occasional seasonal tours.