The Cannonball House, Front & Bank Streets, has been receiving a little facelift of late as it gets ready for its state historic marker commemorating the role the house played during the War of 1812.

One hundred ninety years ago, the sleepy coastal town of Lewes was bombarded by a squadron of the Royal Navy for refusing the British request for provisions. On Saturday, April 5 the State of Delaware will acknowledge the pivotal role that Lewes played in defending Delaware River and Bay from the British navy. All are invited to attend the ceremony to be held at the War of 1812 Park, Front Street in Lewes, slated to begin at 2:00 PM.

Two markers will be dedicated, one at the War of 1812 Park, site of the main fort at Lewes during the conflict and one at the Cannonball House, so-named because it suffered damage during the bombardment. A cannonball still remains in the house's foundation as a memorial. A prominent Lewes seafaring family - the McCrakens - lived in the house during the bombardment and both father and son participated in the defense of the town.

Popular myths surround the event, no more so than the ancient ryhme recounted around little Lewes withsatnding the mightiest navy of the day: "The commander and all his men shot a dog and killed a hen."

During the ceremony, Chuck Fithian of the Delaware State Museums will briefly discuss Lewes' role during the War. The Royal Marines, a living history group that portrays British marines from the time of the War of 1812, will be "camped" at Zwaanendael Park beginning at 11:00 AM on April 5. Russ McCabe of the Delaware Public Archives will formally unveil both markers.

For more information about the event, the bombardment of Lewes or the Cannonball House, please contact the Lewes Historical Society at 645-7670 or info@historiclewes.org.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society