Lewes Historic District in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
H.M. Brig DeBraak
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010
1. H.M. Brig DeBraak Marker
On May 25, 1798 at 4:00 pm, H.M. Brig DeBraak capsized and sank off the coast of Cape Henlopen, Delaware during a sudden squall. This memorial honors the thirty-three members of the eighty-five man crew who were lost at sea.
James Drew, Commander Thomas Burr, Armorer Thomas Hickson, Lieutenant Thomas Albrook, Seaman William Arundele, Midshipman John Bernard, Seaman William Hearle, Midshipman William Brookbank, Seaman William Hurlstone, Midshipman William Buss, Seaman John Hyfield, Midshipman William Day, Seaman Simon Rumbold, Gunner Edward Edwards, Seaman William Howard, Carpenter John Mills, Seaman Edward Redman, Carpenter John Morris Seaman William Wade, Purser John Sweet, Seaman John White, Surgeon James Hudd, Boy William Cooper, Cook James Mann, Boy William Satterly, Carpenter's Mate Jacob Hamilton, Marine William Randele, Carpenter's Crew Thomas Peary, Marine John Breach, Ship's Barber William Tozer, Marine Richard Mitchele, Captain's Clerk James Woodington, Marine Thomas Davenport, Ward Room Steward
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels
this page online
Location. 38° 46.436′ N, 75° 8.338′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in the Lewes Historic District. It is on Kings Highway (U.S. 9N) near 3rd Street, on the left when traveling north. Located at the Zwaanendael Museum and Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewes DE 19958, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Delawares Beaches. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lewes (here, next to this marker); Zwaanendael Museum (here, next to this marker); David Hall House (a few steps from this marker); Zwaanendael House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Lewes (within shouting distance of this marker); World Wars I and II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Zwaanendael Club (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fisher-Martin House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Also see . . .
1. DiscoverSea Museum - H.M.S. De Braak. ...Over the years, De Braak's seven-week solo cruise and the certain fact that she had captured one valuable prize became encrusted with myth. .... by the 1980s estimates of the value of the treasure aboard the humble convoy escort exceeded $500 million.... (Submitted on November 27, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 4, 2024
2. H.M. Brig DeBraak Marker
The marker is surrounded by tulips in the early spring to honor the region's Dutch heritage.
2. 188 Years After Sinking, H.M.S. DeBraak Is raised. New York Times article; August 12, 1986 (Submitted on September 8, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010
3. H.M. Brig DeBraak Marker along Kings Highway (US 9)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 4, 2024
4. H.M. Brig DeBraak Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,457 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 27, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on March 17, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 3. submitted on November 27, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on March 17, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.
