Bullseye-Ferry Landing

Before Dutch control of what is now Sussex County, Native American Iwatama Socuum held “Long Reach,” now Bullseye-Ferry Landing Preserve. After 1674, when the Dutch left, it was held by the Waples family and later, the Faucett family. In 1696, Peter Waples established a Ferry across the Indian River from this location for travelers from Lewes to Maryland and Virginia. Bullseye Farm was part of a 1000-acre tract owned by Col. Wm. D. Waples. In 1996, The Nature Conservancy bought the 413-acre preserve with funds received from Isabel F. Okie. In 1997, her son, Austin F. Okie donated an easement to The Nature Conservancy for much of the remaining Bullseye Farm.