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A walking tour on the Lewes Delaware maritime history trail
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Lewes De
laware is a seafaring town and as such has a Maritime Historic Trail. The town has a long and sometimes rough maritime history that is explained through the trail. This self-guided walking tour of historic Lewis Maritime past takes anywhere from about two and one-half to several hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop. The trail covers approximately 4.3 miles of coastline and can easily be biked or driven. A brochure of the trail can be obtained at the Lewes Visitor Center and Historical Society at 110 Shipcarpenter Street. The society also holds other tours, such the Historic complex tour, the trolley tours, and rented audio units that provide a guided tour through historic Lewes.
Begin your walking tour of the maritime history trail with the University of Delaware’s Marine Sciences campus. The research facility in Lewes has been involved in marine studies since 1950. It investigates science and policy related to the earth, oceans, atmosphere, and environment. The facility offers free guided tours to introduce the public to marine science and the research activities of the college. To arrange a group tour call Dr Roz Troupen, Program Director at 302/645-4346 or email atroztroupin@aol.com. Reservations are required and not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Following the trail down Pilottown Road is the next stop on the historic trail: The Life Saving Station. A forerunner of the US Coast Guard, the Life Saving Station was organized to rescue shipwrecked ships, cargo, sailors, and passengers. The Lewes station was the fourth to be established in 1884, and proved its worth during the Great Blizzard of 1888. The station is located at 110 Shipcarpenter Street.
To the right of the Life Saving Station is the historic lightship – US Overfalls. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the ship is one of 179 ships serving as floating lighthouses. At present, the Lightship is undergoing restoration. Hours for guided tours are Memorial Day through Columbus Day on Friday and Saturday – 11am to 4pm. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for students.
Continuing the historical walking tour down, the road but be aware that the street name changes to Front Street. Here is where find two attractions on the tour: the 1812 Park and the Cannonball House. The Park, former site of a fort b
uilt to protect the Delaware Bay and Lewes, displays several large cannons that have remain positioned as they did during the War of 1812. Lewes sustained heavy cannon fire during the war when the British vessels blockaded the mouth of the Delaware Bay. A cross from the park is the Cannonball House. The house still holds the embedded cannonball fired from a British frigate.
In the area are several dining areas with outdoor cafes. During the summer months, these are great establishments for lunch or dinner. The Gilligan’s Waterfront Restaurant & Bar sits on the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal at 134 Market Street. The best on the menu is a fresh lump crab cake on a bed of greens. If you are planning to have lunch along the way, it is a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially on the weekends.
Next on the maritime history trail are two lighthouses. Lewes has two active lighthouses that have guided sailors for nearly 250 years. The lighthouses are active for maritime navigation and can’t be toured but can be viewed from the Lewes Beach parking lot at the end of Savannah road.
The walking tour continues down the beach on Cape Henlopen Drive. You stop at the Delaware Pilots station next to the Lewes/Cape May Ferry Terminal. The station was originally the Lewes Coast Guard Station. The Pilots station provides pilots to ships coming into the Delaware River. Due to the many shoals, it is necessary for a River Pilot to be onboard to navigate the ship north to Philadelphia. While at the Station, you will also see two large breakwaters. The breakwaters are built of huge stones for shielding Lewes Harbor for harsh seas of the bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Finally, at the Cape Henlopen State Park Fishing Pier, you will find an 1880 Quarantine station. The station was built as part of the US National Quarantine System to protect against emigrants bringing epidemic diseases into the country.
For those that plan
a weekend getaway in Lewes, there are several wonderful B&Bs. On Front Street at Canal Square, you will find a Nantucket Style Inn full of charm and comfort. The sits on the Lewes and Rehoboth canal and is centrally located to the historic downtown area as well as within blocks of the beach. For information and reservations, call the Inn at 1-888-644-1911.
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