In the early to mid-1960s, Lewes commemorated the 150th anniversary of the British bombardment of the city. Lewes Day or Historic Lewes Day brought together town, county and state leaders, as well as historians, residents and visitors to remember Lewes' role in the War of 1812. 

Due to Lewes' location at the mouth of Delaware Bay, the city was an important place during a time of war. After the U.S. refused to provide supplies to British ships anchored offshore, the town was bombarded for 22 straight hours, with as many as 800 projectiles hurled toward Lewes. American batteries responded and damaged enemy vessels, causing the British to withdraw.

The famous Cannonball House on Front Street was one of the buildings damaged during the bombardment. The home was purchased by the Lewes Historical Society in 1963 and is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Across the street is 1812 Park, which features cannons aimed across the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal toward Delaware Bay and a monument erected around the 100th anniversary in 1914, standing as another modern reminder of Lewes' role in the war.