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

Home of Major Henry Fisher

Hero of the American Revolution

Photographed by Nate Davidson, December 31, 2010

1. Home of Major Henry Fisher Marker

Inscription. A native and lifelong resident of this community, Henry Fisher (1735-1792) was one of Delaware's foremost leaders in the struggle for American Independence. His prominence as a skilled pilot and his firm support of the Patriot cause resulted in his appointment by Philadelphia's Committee of Safety in 1775 to superintend the defense of the entrance to the Delaware Bay. Commissioned as a Major in the state's militia, Fisher continued to play a key role throughout the Revolution, helping to protect maritime commerce that was vital to the young Nation's survival and communicating valuable intelligence about British activities. Through the use of his own vessels and via overland express, he was the "eyes and ears" of the Continental Congress at this strategic location, providing information of great importance to American success. Known as "Fisher's Paradise," this was his home from boyhood until his death in 1792. It was subsequently the property of Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis, who commanded the defense of Lewes during the War of 1812. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Erected 2006 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-204.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era

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• Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1775.

Location. 38° 47.017′ N, 75° 9.399′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is on Pilottown Road (Delaware Route 267) close to Rodney Ave.. 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 Delaware’s 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: deVries Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); The De Vries Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Maull House (approx. 0.2 miles away); University of Delaware (approx. ¼ mile away); Tapping the Power of Wind Energy in Coastal Delaware (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. George African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Station Master's House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Harbeson Railroad Station Privy (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.

Also see . . . Fisher's Paradise - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

It
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 18, 2012

2. Home of Major Henry Fisher Marker
is thought that Dr. Henry Fisher bought from Rebecca Fisher Cornwallis an early frame house with a stone foundation, and added the present kitchen wing. He left this house to his wife when he died in 1746. Dr. Fisher came to Lewes from Waterford, Ireland, and was the first physician of eminence in the Lower Counties.

(Submitted on April 25, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

Home of Major Henry Fisher image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Nate Davidson, December 31, 2010

3. Home of Major Henry Fisher

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,464 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 4, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.