Lewes & Rehoboth Hundred in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Place of the Siconese

Photographed by Pete Skillman, May 29, 2026

1. A Place of the Siconese Marker

Inscription. Archaeological work in 2018, adjacent to the banks of Prettyman's Branch, revealed prehistoric human activity has taken place at what became Tower Hill Farm. Going back 5,000 years and as recent as 600 years ago, artifacts that the indigenous people left behind show they lived on this land well before the arrival of European colonists.

These eastern woodland natives were known as the Siconese or Sickoneysincks, an Algonquian group that was part of the Lenni-Lenape nation. Their name was interpreted to mean "the original people." the colonial Dutch referred to this populace as the Great Siconese.

They had a matrilineal clan system and lived in dome-shaped wigwams made of poles covered in bark and rush mats. These dwellings were scattered about large areas. This location could have been a seasonal campsite returned to over thousands of years.

Their diet included salt water and fresh water fish and shellfish; birds, small mammals, and various plant offerings. They fashioned their own pottery as well as stone and bone tools. Their refuse was disposed in pits dug into the ground. Many of those filled hollows were discovered

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along the branch of this parcel. Some features were excavated, revealing important historical information, while others have been conserved.

Dedicated 2021

Erected 2021.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 38° 45.844′ N, 75° 10.223′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Lewes & Rehoboth Hundred. It is at the intersection of New Road and Lynn Road, on the right when traveling west on New Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16251 New Rd, Lewes DE 19958, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Delaware’s Beaches.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

A Place of the Siconese Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, May 29, 2026

2. A Place of the Siconese Marker - wide view

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Tower Hill (a few steps from this marker); In Honor of Ted Freeman (approx. one mile away); A History of the Junction & Breakwater Railroad (approx. one mile away); Lewes (approx. 1.1 miles away); Janet Nowakowski (approx. 1.1 miles away); Coach William W. "Bill" Collick (approx. 1.1 miles away); Coach PJ Kesmodel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Carolyn Ivins (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.