Given its location at the intersection of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise that water is a main attraction at Lewes, Delaware. Marinas along the shorelines are filled with charter boats, standing ready for deep-sea fishing, whale-watching or sunset dinner cruises. Many of these are docked along the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, part of the of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The canal, which passes through downtown Lewes, links the Broadkill River and Rehoboth Bay, and connects to the Delaware Bay at Roosevelt Inlet.
   It's the city's history, though, that takes center stage. Settled by the Dutch in 1631, Lewes is known today as "The First Town in the First State." The historic district contains 17th and 18th century homes, churches and museums, such as the Cannonball House. Built around 1765, the former private residence got its name as a result of being struck by British cannonballs in the War of 1812 ... one of which remains embedded in its side. Since the 1970s, the Cannonball House has served as a maritime museum.
   History also is reflected in the Lightship Overfalls, the last lightship built by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. The lightship is one of only 17 lightships remaining from a total of 179 which were built from 1820 to 1952. Donated to the Lewes Historical Society in 1973, it now "guards" the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal.

     Area Map