Lewes · History and events
Lewes, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware: 15 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Lewes
Questions about history and events in Lewes
History and lore
When was Lewes founded?
Dutch settlers founded Lewes in 1631, and the Delaware Public Archives describes it as the site of Delaware's first European settlement. The town was incorporated in 1818 as the Trustees of the Town of Lewes. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
How did Lewes get its name?
William Penn renamed the southernmost county Sussex after his home county, and named the town where he first landed Lewes after the county seat of Sussex, England. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
Why is Lewes called the First Town in the First State?
The City of Lewes calls itself "The First Town in the First State." The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs says the Zwaanendael Museum commemorates the founding of Delaware's first European settlement by the Dutch in 1631. Source: ci.lewes.de.us, history.delaware.gov.
When was Lewes incorporated?
Lewes was incorporated in 1818 as "The Trustees of the Town of Lewes," and became The City of Lewes in 1969. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What happened in Lewes during the War of 1812?
Royal Navy vessels shelled Lewes for about 22 hours on April 6-7, 1813. The Cannonball House, built around 1760, still has an iron cannonball lodged in its foundation and is listed on the National Register. Source: archives.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
What historic sites are in Lewes?
National Register of Historic Places listings in Lewes include the Col. David Hall House (1976), Delaware Breakwater and Lewes Harbor (1976), Fort Miles Historic District (2004), Fisher's Paradise (1972), Fisher Homestead (1980) and Lewes Presbyterian Church (1977). The state also lists the Lewes Historic District, the De Vries Monument and the Overfalls lightship among the area's historic sites. Source: nps.gov, archives.delaware.gov, history.delaware.gov.
What was Fort Miles?
The U.S. built Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen between 1941 and 1944 to defend Delaware Bay. No enemy warships threatened it, and the Army decided to close it in 1958. Source: fortmilesmuseum.org.
Who are notable historical people connected to Lewes?
Delaware governors with Lewes ties include Daniel Rodney, who was born in Lewes and served 1814 to 1817, and David Hall (1752-1817), a Revolutionary War officer elected governor in 1801 whose house stands at 101 East Third Street. Ebe W. Tunnell, governor from 1897 to 1901, started his business in Lewes. Hall and Tunnell are buried at Lewes Presbyterian Cemetery. Source: nga.org, archives.delaware.gov, nga.org.
Events, holidays and occasions
What annual events happen in Lewes?
Southern Delaware Tourism lists the Great Delaware Kite Festival (Good Friday, Cape Henlopen State Park), the Mid Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival and Chautauqua (June), an outdoor antiques show (August), Boast the Coast Maritime Festival (October), and Winter WonderFEST lights at Cape Henlopen (November to January 1). Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Does Lewes have a Fourth of July parade and fireworks?
Yes. Recent listings show children's games on Second Street in the morning, a boat parade and a Doo-Dah parade in the afternoon, and fireworks at dusk. Times change from year to year, so check the Lewes Chamber of Commerce before going. Source: bestofbethany.com, wdel.com.
When is the Lewes Christmas parade?
The Lewes Old Fashioned Christmas Parade is held on a Saturday in early December, hosted by the City of Lewes and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. In 2025 it ran on December 6, followed by a tree lighting and candlelight caroling in Zwaanendael Park. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Is there a farmers market in Lewes?
The Historic Lewes Farmers Market meets Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, May 2 to September 26 in 2026, at George H. P. Smith Park. A fall season runs Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon, October 3 to December 5, 2026, at the Lewes school parking lot. A Wednesday market on Kings Highway runs June 3 to September 2, 2026. Source: agriculture.delaware.gov.
What is Boast the Coast in Lewes?
Boast the Coast is a maritime festival held in October with maritime activities around the city and a boat parade, according to Southern Delaware Tourism. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com, visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Does Lewes have a connection to Return Day?
Yes. At the 2024 Return Day in Georgetown, party chairs buried the ceremonial hatchet in sand brought from Lewes Beach, as reported by the Cape Gazette. Source: capegazette.com.
Is Return Day a holiday in Lewes?
Return Day is a Sussex County legal holiday under Delaware Code Title 1, Section 501: the second day after the General Election, after 12:00 noon. It falls on the Thursday after Election Day in even-numbered years, and in 2026 that is November 5. The main celebration is held in Georgetown. Source: delcode.delaware.gov, visitsoutherndelaware.com, dagsboro.delaware.gov.
How these answers are sourced
Every answer on this page cites an official or primary source, such as the town, a state agency, NOAA or the institution itself. Answers SussexCounty.ai could not confirm from a primary source are left out until they can be.