Fifty years ago, Lewes experienced the collapse of its fisheries, Lewes’s main industry. This forced the city to determine its next direction: Oil or coal port? Develop the beaches, canals and marshes? Bring in entertainment such as roller coasters and boardwalks…or distinguish Lewes as a place of historical significance?

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Today, Lewes is considered a model city, recognized by national organizations for preserving our history.  What may be even more outstanding than national recognition is that the historical fabric of Lewes remains intact after so many decades.​