Hidden History of Lewes

Hidden History

by Michael Morgan

Proudly laying claim to the title of the first town in the first state, Lewes, Delaware, has a history brimming with little-known tales of gentleman pirates, desperate acts of cannibalism and a failed British bombardment in the War of 1812.
Another attempted invasion occurred in 1853, when raucous New England fishermen intent on having a good time were repelled by residents armed with clubs and an old cannon. In 1926, the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse toppled onto the beach. With the light extinguished, bootleggers had an easier time plying their trade. On January 5, 1932, a captured rumrunner was accidentally set ablaze when an oil slick caught fire on the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal. Author Michael Morgan explores stories of impromptu presidential dips, charismatic preachers, German POW camps and other lost tales from the history of Lewes.

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2014

About the author

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Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It turns out that there's been a lot of excitement in my favorite town over the years. Especially fun to read it sitting in a 19th century house on one of Lewes's original streets.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan's book is a nice introduction to the history of Lewes, Delaware, which has been my hometown for the last six years. In essence, it's the history of a seaport town and all that seaports typically experience. The book has many nice snippets that are fun to read, and it also has many interesting photographs. I just wish the book had an index so to facilitate reference back to various historical incidents in the future.

[Tom Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable Research

As a volunteer of The Lewes Historical Society, but not a Lewes native, this work bridged the gap between physical landscape and town development the author starts with Hnry Hudson and takes the reader on a prose tour, supported by actual pictures.