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

The Bombardment of Lewes

Photographed By Sean Jones, April 14, 2024

1. The Bombardment of Lewes Marker

Inscription. In March 1813, the Royal Navy under the command of Commodore John P. Beresford established a blockade of the Delaware Bay and River, conducting raids along the coast to disrupt maritime commerce and shipping. On this location was one of two fortifications mounted with several cannons to protect the town of Lewes, manned by the state militia under the command of Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis. On April 6, after Delaware authorities refused a demand to provide supplies, British ships bombarded the town for twenty-two hours with Congreve rockets. American batteries damaged enemy vessels causing the British to withdraw on April 7. They would maintain the blockade until 1815.

Erected 2023 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-167.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1813.

Location. 38° 46.552′ N, 75° 8.335′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in the Lewes Historic District. Marker is at the intersection of Front Street and Neils Alley, on the right when traveling west on Front Street. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 113 Front St, 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. A different marker also named The Bombardment of Lewes (here, next to this marker); The War of 1812 (here, next to 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.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which had a different inscription and erection date.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2024. This page has been viewed 56 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on April 14, 2024. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.