Bombardment of Lewes - Delaware Public Archives

Sponsors:

Historic Markers Commission, SC-035 1933

The State of Delaware Historical Markers Program, 2023

SC-167:

Original 1933 Text for SC-035:

Lewes was bombarded by British March 13, 1813, when Col. Samuel B. Davis,
Commander of American troops, refused a demand upon the people for fresh provisions. For many years Lewes was a part of call for ocean going vessels and has been the home of many Delaware River pilots.

Original 2003 Text:

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 in 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 the 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. The 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.

2023 Reinstallation Text:

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 cannon 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.

Installed in 2003. Reinstalled in 2023