Lewes Maritime History Trail

Menhaden, a small bony, oily fish was pursued not to be eaten but to be pressed for its oil and ground into fertilizer. Lewes' fisheries began in 1883 and reached their zenith in 1953 when the docks at Lewes strained unde the weight on millions of pounds of menhaden, leading some to call Lewes "the nation's largest fishing port."
The fisheries were the town's main economic engines for the fist half of the twentieth century, employing hundreds and supporting numerous local businesses, including marine repair, rentals for seasonal workers, and food services for the shipboard galleys.
The Lewes menhaden industry collapsed in the early 1960s as the local stock was severly depleted from technological improvements that led to overfishing. Nothing remains of the many fisheries-related businesses that were once located along Cape Henlopen Drive.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Lewes, DE  |  Sussex County  |  19958  |  Delaware  |  United States of America

Lighthouses
Lewes-Rehoboth Canal
Unknown Sailors' Cemetery
Otis H. Smith City Dock
The Legacy of Ted Freeman
The Bombardment of Lewes
The Bombardment of Lewes
The War of 1812
Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse
Delaware Pilots

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.