Category: Historic Site  |  Rating :

eReview: Fort Delaware

Location: Pea Patch Island, DE

Review by R MUSTO

Fort Delaware is located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, one mile east of Delaware City. The pentagon shaped fort completed in 1859, covers about six acres, with 32 foot high solid granite and brick walls, with thickness ranging from seven to thirty feet. Fort Delaware has a 30 foot wide moat, which surrounds the fort and a drawbridge, providing the only access.

As the Civil War opened Union troops manned the garrison and mounted the necessary artillery, however the soldiers of Fort Delaware never fired a shot from the fort’s artillery against the South.

Fort Delaware served as a Confederate prison during the Civil War. It was an excellent choice, since the fort sat in a remote swampy area, making any escape difficult. The prison compound eventually held over 12,000 prisoners.

As visitors enter Fort Delaware they step back in time to the 1800s as they tour this coastal fort. Visitors experience Civil War history with interactive living history programs and a stop at the gift shop for a book, video or Civil War theme gift.

For more information and current events visit the website: www.visitthefort.com or call 302.834.7941.

--R. J. Musto