Cannonball House | Lewes

Information

Landmark: Cannonball House
City: Lewes
Country: USA Delaware
Continent: North America

Cannonball House, Lewes, USA Delaware, North America

The Cannonball House is a historic house museum located in Lewes, Delaware, USA.

It preserves a structure that experienced direct impact during a naval bombardment.

Visual Characteristics

The Cannonball House is a two-and-a-half-story Federal-style brick structure. Its exterior walls are constructed from red brick. The roof is a gable roof. The building features white-painted trim around the windows and doors.

Location & Access Logistics

The Cannonball House is situated at 113 Shore Road in Lewes, Delaware. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the Lewes city center. On-street parking is available in the vicinity, though it can be limited during peak seasons. The nearest public transport stop is served by DART First State bus route 206, located approximately 0.3 kilometers west of the house.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original structure was built in 1790 by John Dagworthy. It was later acquired by the Lewes Historical Society. The house gained its name from a British cannonball that struck its side during the War of 1812, lodging in the wall. The house was restored and opened as a museum in 1971.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the original cannonball embedded in the exterior wall. Interior exhibits detail the history of Lewes and the surrounding area, including maritime history and local life. Guided tours are available, providing specific historical context.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the property. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable in this area. No on-site food vendors are present, but dining options are available within a 0.5km radius in the city center.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal interior lighting and visitor flow, visiting during mid-morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) or mid-afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) is recommended. The best months for weather are typically May through October, offering milder temperatures and lower precipitation probabilities.

Facts & Legends

A specific detail for visitors is to look for the faint scorch marks around the cannonball's entry point, indicating the heat generated upon impact. Local lore suggests the cannonball was fired by a British naval officer who was a former resident of Lewes, seeking to make a point rather than cause significant destruction.