Fort Delaware State Park: A Civil War Fortress

Fort Delaware State Park, situated on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, offers a unique blend of history and nature. The island emerged as a mud bank in the 18th century and was fortified in 1815 to protect the harbors of Wilmington and Philadelphia. The current brick and concrete fort was completed by 1860. During the Civil War, Fort Delaware served as a Union prison for Confederate soldiers, political prisoners, and Federal convicts, with as many as 12,595 prisoners housed at one time. Over 2,400 died while imprisoned. Today, visitors can witness reenactments that bring the summer of 1864 to life, with costumed interpreters demonstrating blacksmithing and laundry tasks. The firing of the 8-inch Columbiad cannon is a daily highlight. Beyond its historical significance, Pea Patch Island is a natural habitat and home to one of the largest Atlantic Coast nesting sites for herons, egrets, and ibises north of Florida. An estimated 5,000 – 12,000 breeding pairs call this heronry home annually. Visitors can observe the wildlife from the Prison Camp Trail's heronry observation platform. The park is open seasonally, offering paranormal tours in the fall and living history programs throughout the year.