Lewes Historic District in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Bombardment of Lewes
Erected 1914 by National Society U.S. Daughters of 1812 in the State of Delaware.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the United States Daughters of 1812, National Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1813.
Location. 38° 46.553′ N, 75° 8.335′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in the Lewes Historic District. Marker is on Front Street, on the right when traveling north. Located between Neils Alley and Bank Street at 1812 Memorial Park. 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. The War of 1812 (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Bombardment of Lewes (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 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Regarding The Bombardment of Lewes. 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 an 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 the town. Although short of ammunition, the American batteries were able to effectively reply and cause damage to enemy vessels. On April 7th the British withdrew to more distant positions. They continued to maintain the blockade until 1815.(The Delaware Public Archives)
Also see . . .
1. Bombardment of Lewes. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Samuel Boyer Davis. Find A Grave entry (Submitted on November 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,076 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on September 8, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on November 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.