The DeVries Monument Undergoes Redesign
The DeVries Monument in Lewes, Delaware, which commemorates the 1631 site of Swanendael, the first European settlement in the state, underwent a long-planned redesign, courtesy of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the Greater Lewis Foundation and Lewis in Bloom. Dedicated in 1909 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the granite marker reads, “here was the cradling of a state,” and remains a lasting tribute to Lewes’ Dutch heritage.
The original settlement of 28 men was sponsored by explorer, entrepreneur and Patron, David Peitersen De Vries, and was originally conceived as a whaling and fur trading center operated by Gillis Hossitt. It was this 1631 Dutch land claim that, through an 18th century court case, prevented the area from being claimed by either of the neighboring states of Maryland or Pennsylvania, and which reinforces Lewes’ enduring status as “The First Town in the First State.”
The DeVries Monument will be rededicated on Wednesday September 16th during a special ceremony attended by state and local officials including Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco, Historical and Cultural Affairs Director, Suzanne Savery, and Greater Lewes Foundation Chairman, Joe Stewart along with other invited guests.
Besides changes to improve safety and accessibility, the enhanced site will enable larger groups of people to visit and enjoy the historic destination. Located above Roosevelt Inlet on Pilottown Road, the newly ADA accessible site will feature a large patio with seating, enhanced by native vegetation, courtesy of Lewes in Bloom. The newly rededicated site will also feature broader interpretive signage that speaks to both pre- and post-colonial life, providing a more comprehensive history of the area.
When the City of Lewes celebrates the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the colony in 2031, this embellished monument site will once again take center stage as the birthplace of Delaware.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
