Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Bombardment of Lewes
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, May 14, 2009
1. The Bombardment of Lewes Marker
In March of 1813, the Royal Navy established a blockade of the Delaware Bay and River. The British squadron, under the command of Commodore John P. Beresford, RN, took up stations off Lewes and the Delaware Capes, and began to conduct raids along the coast in and effort to disrupt maritime commerce and shipping. Many small actions resulted with numerous vessels being captured and destroyed. On this location was one of two fortifications that were built to protect the town of Lewes. These earthworks mounted several cannon, and were manned by militia under the command of Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis. After Delaware authorities refused a demand to provide supplies, the British ships took up bombardment positions off the town. From April 6th into the 7th, Lewes was shelled for twenty-two hours, with the British firing as many as 800 projectiles into the town. This was the first use of the Congreve rocket against the Americans during the War of 1812. Naval fire was successful in striking and damaging the fortifications and many buildings in town. Although short of ammunition, the American batteries were able to effectively reply and cause damage to 
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010
2. The Bombardment of Lewes Marker as seen on Front Street
this page online
Erected 2003 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-167.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1813.
Location. 38° 46.558′ N, 75° 8.34′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is on Front Street (Delaware Route 267) 0.1 miles Savannah Road (U.S. 9). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewes DE 19958, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Bombardment of Lewes (a few steps from this marker); The War of 1812 (a few steps from this marker); Otis H. Smith City Dock (a few steps from this marker); The Cannonball House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Cannonball House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Explorations of Giovanni da Verrazzano (within shouting distance of this marker); Last Lewes Pilot Skiff (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewes-Rehoboth Canal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, May 14, 2009
3. The Bombardment of Lewes Marker - in shadow under tree, center right
- view from across Front Street.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010
4. The Bombardment of Lewes Marker, at right
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, May 14, 2009
5. Period cannon in "1812 Park" - U.S. Post Office in background across Front St..
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010
6. Cannon on display
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,519 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 24, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2. submitted on October 17, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on May 24, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4. submitted on October 17, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on May 24, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 6. submitted on October 17, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
