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PrintA Walk Through History
The story of Lewes’ important maritime past hasn’t been well known by visitors. A new self-guided tour will help change that.
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Delaware Pilots
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive
Customers waiting to ride the Cape May-Lewes Ferry may notice the boats that cruise from the neighboring pilot station to meet ships waiting at the mouth of the Delaware Bay. Members of the Pilots’ Association for the Bay & River Delaware, founded in 1896, guide ships up the river to Wilmington, Philadelphia and Trenton, dodging treacherous shoals, rocky ledges and other hazards. “It’s kind of neat that they’re still doing it,” DiPaolo says.
Breakwaters
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive
You might wonder why the breakwaters weren’t included with the lighthouses that sit on them. That is because they deserve their own recognition, DiPaolo says. “Too many people see the lighthouses, but not the breakwaters.” The massive structures, made of rubble and stone blocks, shield Lewes Harbor from turbulent seas, which were especially dangerous during storms. In bad weather, ships going upriver could take refuge behind the breakwaters to wait out bad weather. Even ships going up the seaboard stopped there to find safe haven.
The “inner” breakwater, built in 1828, is the Delaware Breakwater, which was designed by architect and engineer William Strickland, who also designed the Second Bank of the United States and the Merchants’ Exchange in Philadelphia and the Sussex County Courthouse in Georgetown. His breakwater was deemed too small—especially when 200 ships took refuge there in one storm alone—and the gap between the icebreakers and breakwater encouraged dangerous currents. It was later closed. The outer breakwater is the Harbor of Refuge, authorized by Congress in 1896.
Page 5: A Walk Through History, continues...
