You may have heard that famous motto “The First Town in the First State” used to describe Lewes Delaware, but what does this mean exactly? Furthermore, what’s the actual local and regional history behind this beautiful, serene coastal community that we all love so much today? In this week’s Flashback Friday Feature, I’m taking a closer look into the history behind the very first settlements along with various community developments that emerged on the scene of what is now the Town of Lewes, Delaware.
The Early Years
The regional history of Lewes, and by extension that of Delaware, can actually be traced back to 1609. This was when the entrance to what is now known as Delaware Bay was discovered by Captain Henry Hudson. While the following two decades saw many instances of early exploration in the area, it wasn’t until 1631 that the first Dutch settlement, consisting of around 32 men, was established here on land purchased from the local Lenni Lenape. Due to a disagreement and a bitter conflict that followed, all of the original Dutch settlers were later massacred in 1632.
There weren’t too many other developments in the area that’s now Lewes until around 1658. This was when the first permanent settler, Helmanus Fredrick Wiltbanck, put down roots here and a new Dutch settlement and trading post were established by Alexander d’Hinoyossa.
Another colony, made up of 41 Dutch Mennonites, arrived on the scene in 1663 under the direction of Peter Cornelis Plockhoy. But their time was short-lived as in the following year the English seized control of the entire area.
English Takeover
In 1673 the Dutch temporarily reclaimed control of the regional areas in the New World that came to be known as New Netherlands (which included Delaware). But the Treaty of Westminster in 1674 put an end to Dutch rule once and for all and pretty much sealed the deal on English rule (until American Independence, that is).
In 1682, King Charles II gifted the land now comprising Delaware to William Penn. It was also at this time that Lewes officially received its name. It was named after the existing town of Lewes in Sussex County, England. How befitting, considering the county that the new Lewes resided in also took on an equivalent preexisting English namesake.
Distinctly Delaware
Even though Delaware remained part of Pennsylvania until declaring independence in 1776 and ratifying the U.S. Constitution in 1787, the Lower Counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex were already granted an assembly as early as 1704. Lewes served as the seat of Sussex County for most of the century until the seat was moved to its current location in Georgetown in 1791.
Lewes continued rapidly developing and progressing as a community throughout the 1700s. It was even publicly referred to as being “a handsome town on the banks of the Delaware” at one time.
This was also the century when so many notable buildings and other landmarks were constructed here. Some are even still standing today, like the Zwaanendael Museum, which was built around 1795. It was believed to have formerly served as an academy for young women to matriculate.
A Well-Developed Community
Further developments in Lewes continued into the 19th century. By 1802 the first post office was established here. And by 1852 there was even a telegraph office. Later additions even saw Western Union extending marine telegraph services to the area and even an expansion of railroad travel into town. Lewes was incorporated by an act of the Delaware Assembly in 1818.
For the most part, Lewes was largely unaffected by the American Civil War of the 1860s. Delaware was, after all, a border state and not one of the most promising places for fugitive slaves to find themselves in. Even so, it’s worth noting that several homes near Lewes Beaches were designated “safe houses” and part of the Underground Railroad.
Before the end of the century, Lewes was a pretty bustling and well-developed coastal community with schools, churches, and even local emergency services on location. With emerging interests as a beach community, the lifeguarding scene also grew, as did the regional and recreational demands of folks looking to enjoy all that the shores and beaches had to offer. These local highlights and endeavors continued into the early 20th century, expanding throughout the years that followed.
Into the 20th Century and Beyond
By the time the 20th century rolled around, Lewes had already made a name for itself and gained local and regional prominence. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing as several storms and natural disasters have plagued the coastal community over the years, some of which even left impactful and destructive damage in more ways than one.
Later on, with the uncertainties of the World War II era, also came the need to set up defense from invaders from across the sea. That’s why Fort Miles was constructed on Cape Henlopen, just south of Lewes. It was a means to prevent potential German invasions of surrounding big cities. Fortunately, though, Fort Miles never was the site of any major wartime action. The only source of gunfire that ever took place here was range practice.
The latter half of the century brought another anchoring callout to the area. It was the establishment of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which launched in July 1964. To this day, the Ferry continues to serve as a major source of daily commuting between Delaware and New Jersey and is a well-utilized tourist attraction for visitor pursuits.
Lewes, Delaware has a long and enduring legacy that continues to expand with each passing year. History is forever in the making and the Town of Lewes is certain to play host to plenty more developments in the future years to come.
