Step-by-Step Historic Walking Tour of Lewes

Welcome to Lewes, Delaware, often called "The First Town in the First State!" Founded by Dutch settlers in 1631, this beautiful coastal town is packed with history. Taking a self-guided walking tour is a fantastic way to explore the past at your own pace. Follow these simple steps to journey through centuries of history.

Before You Begin: Before taking your first step, prepare for your journey. Put on comfortable walking shoes, grab a bottle of water, and make sure you have a camera or notebook to record your discoveries. Always remember to stay on the sidewalks and use marked crosswalks to stay safe.

Step 1: Start at the Ryves Holt House Begin your tour at the corner of Second Street and Mulberry Street. Here stands the Ryves Holt House, built around 1665. This is the oldest surviving building in the entire state of Delaware! Over the years, this red wooden house has served as a family home, a tavern, and a courthouse. Look closely at the old wooden shingles and imagine what life was like here over three hundred years ago.

Step 2: Walk to the Lewes Historical Society Campus From the Ryves Holt House, walk southwest down Second Street for two blocks, then turn right onto Shipcarpenter Street. You will find yourself at the Lewes Historical Society Campus. This grassy area is filled with historic buildings that were moved here from other locations to save them from being destroyed. Look for the small, one-room schoolhouse and the old doctor's office. Walk around the grounds and compare these historic structures to the modern houses nearby.

Step 3: Visit the Cannonball House Next, walk back toward the water by heading northeast on Shipcarpenter Street, turning right onto Front Street. Stop when you reach the Cannonball House, built around 1765. This building gets its name from a very exciting event. During the War of 1812, British warships bombarded the town. A real cannonball struck the side of this house! Look closely at the brick wall on the side of the building to see if you can spot the metal cannonball still embedded in the brick.

Step 4: Finish at the Canalfront Park To complete your tour, continue walking down Front Street toward the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. Find a comfortable bench at the Canalfront Park. This is the perfect spot to rest your feet, watch the boats glide by, and think about how Lewes grew from a small Dutch settlement into a bustling maritime port. You have successfully walked through Delaware's rich history!