Greetings from the Honorable James L. Ford III Mayor, The City of Lewes, Delaware
Greetings from The City of Lewes. Lewes is known as the "First Town in the First State." We are very proud of the city’s historic and nautical heritage and encourage you to visit our city, located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
On behalf of the members of the Lewes City Council and our municipal staff, I hope that the information provided here is helpful, informative, and provides you with a better understanding of our city government, the services we provide, and whom you can contact for assistance when needed.
I am very proud of our city government. We have an outstanding record of fiscally responsible management while providing a wide array of city services. The overriding policy that dominates the actions of the City Council members and city staff is continually improving the quality of life for all city residents, business owners and those who visit our historic city.
In addition to the recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors, The City of Lewes has many homes and buildings of historical and architectural interest. Within a half-mile of the downtown commercial district, there are numerous restored homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. One 17th century home is documented to be Delaware’s oldest standing building. The Lewes Historical Society maintains a complex of historic homes that were moved from their original locations and restored.
First opened in 1916, Beebe Medical Center, offers an array of inpatient, outpatient, emergency and diagnostic services. The Tunnel Cancer Center houses the first radiation oncology treatment center in Sussex County. Beebe has continued to grow tremendously; and in addition, now operates the Beebe Health Campus on Route 24, the 89-bed Lewes Convalescent Center, Beebe Lab Express, Wound Care and Diabetes Management Services, Sleep Disorder Center, Gull House Adult Activities Center, Home Health Agency, a Nursing School, and satellite imaging and lab services throughout Sussex County. Beebe participates in many community events annually and provides many free and reduced-cost screenings, support programs and life enhancement programs to help people cope with stress and improve their overall health.
The Cape May/Lewes Ferry connects historic Lewes with the victorian City of Cape May, New Jersey. The Ferry has been in continuous operation since 1964 and operates 365 days a year (weather permitting). Each ferry is equipped to handle approximately 100 vehicles and 1,000 passengers during the 17-mile trip that takes approximately 80 minutes. Shuttle busses are provided at each terminal to provide transportation to nearby areas of interest.
Lewes is also the home of the University of Delaware’s College of Marine Studies and Sea Grant College Program. The goals of the program are to conduct high quality research, educate the nation’s future marine scientists, and increase public awareness and understanding of the ocean and the coast. The College of Earth, Ocean & Environment is an asset to the community and attracts renowned educators, staff, bright students, and cultural events providing a source of revenue for merchants, residents and the city.
It is our hope that this web site provides an added service to our residents. To those outside Lewes who are visiting our web site and learning about Lewes, we hope the information you need is provided and that we have created an interest in visiting our fair city sometime in the near future.