George H.P. Smith Memorial Park in Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Block House Pond

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, September 15, 2023

1. Block House Pond Marker

Inscription. Block House Pond, a natural spring-fed pond, has provided fresh water, ice, and recreation to the City of Lewes for several centuries. The pond was likely named for a nearby blockhouse built to protect Lewes in the 1670s, where the town residents sought shelter during the Bombardment of Lewes in 1813. In the late-1800s and early 1900s, the pond was a popular ice-skating destination in winter. The Civilian Conservation Corps drained the pond in 1934 as part of mosquito control efforts. The City of Lewes restored the pond and created Block House Pond Park in 1976. In 2003, the park was renamed in honor of former five-term City of Lewes mayor, George H.P. Smith.

Erected 2021 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-288.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Parks & Recreational Areas • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the Delaware Public Archives series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.

Location. 38° 46.408′ N, 75° 8.79′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in George H.P. Smith Memorial Park. Marker is on Johnson Avenue just east of Dupont

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Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 403 Johnson Avenue, 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. Captain Chambers Chance (approx. ¼ mile away); 326 West Third Street (approx. ¼ mile away); Fisherman's Cottage (approx. ¼ mile away); Beebe Hospital (approx. ¼ mile away); Thompson Country Store (approx. ¼ mile away); Burton-Ingram House Addition (approx. ¼ mile away); Burton-Ingram House (approx. ¼ mile away); Milk House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, September 15, 2023

2. Block House Pond Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.