A star-spangled day: Cannons recall War of 1812

The Lewes Historical Society hosted two days of special events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the British bombardment of Lewistown, April 6 and 7, 1813.  For 22 hours, the tiny colonial town endured shelling from ships blockading the entrance to the Delaware Bay.

To mark the event, the Fort McHenry Guard demonstrated cannon firing April 6 at Cape Henlopen State Park while a speakers' series took place at St. Peter's Church Hall.

On April 7, the Fort McHenry Guard provided musket drills and drum-and-fife music at the Lewes Historical Society Complex, followed with a re-dedication of War of 1812 Park along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. During the ceremony, Lewes Mayor Jim Ford said the city would work with the historical society to place a marker near Blockhouse Pond, the encampment site for 1,000 soldiers stationed in Lewes during the War of 1812.

He said the weekend's events marked one of the finest moments of a proud city whose residents fought hard to protect their homes.

Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, and Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, presented a joint resolution to Lewes City Council and the historical society in honor of the event.

Russ McCabe, retired state archivist, was emcee of the event and Lt. Col. Angela Showell of the Delaware National Guard was the guest speaker.