Lewes and Rehoboth Canal facts for kids

The Lewes and Rehoboth Canal in Lewes.

The Lewes and Rehoboth Canal is a special waterway in Sussex County, Delaware. It connects the Broadkill River and the Delaware Bay to Rehoboth Bay. This canal is also an important part of the Intracoastal Waterway, which is like a big water highway along the coast.

The northern end of the canal, looking out towards the Delaware Bay through the Roosevelt Inlet.

Building the Canal

People first thought about building this canal way back in 1803. But it wasn't until much later, between 1913 and 1916, that the Army Corps of Engineers actually built it. The Army Corps of Engineers is a group that helps build and manage many important projects, like canals and dams, across the United States.

What the Canal is Used For

When the canal was first planned, it was meant to be a busy route for shipping goods. However, as new roads and railways were built, it became much easier and faster to move freight by land. Because of this, the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal didn't get used much for shipping.

Instead, for most of its history, the canal has been a popular spot for fun activities like boating. People enjoy using it for leisure, which means activities done for enjoyment, like sailing, fishing, or just cruising along the water.

Images for kids

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  This map shows the path of the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal.

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  A view of the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal in Lewes.