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Fort Mott State Park: A Historical Fortress on the Delaware

Discover history and scenic beauty at Fort Mott State Park, a 19th-century Delaware River fortress in Pennsville, New Jersey.

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Explore Fort Mott State Park in Pennsville, NJ, a late 19th-century fortification on the Delaware River. Wander through gun batteries, visit the museum, and enjoy scenic river views, blending history, culture, and recreation.

A brief summary to Fort Mott State Park

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Welcome Center for information about Fort Mott's history and the surrounding environment.
  • Take a self-guided tour of the fort to explore the original fortifications.
  • Enjoy a picnic with scenic views of the Delaware River.
  • From May to September, take the seasonal ferry to Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Fort Mott State Park by car, take I-295 or the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 1 for Pennsville/Route 49. Follow Route 49 East to Fort Mott Road and turn right. Travel approximately 3 miles on Fort Mott Road; the park entrance will be on the right. There is ample on-site parking. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation directly to Fort Mott State Park is limited, you can take a bus to Pennsville and then a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park. From the bus stop in Pennsville to Fort Mott State Park, a taxi or ride-share would cost approximately $15-$25. Confirm availability of taxi/ride-share services in advance.

Unlock the Best of Fort Mott State Park

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Discover more about Fort Mott State Park

Fort Mott State Park, situated on the Delaware River in Pennsville, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of historical, cultural, and recreational activities. Originally built in the late 19th century as part of a three-fort coastal defense system, it was designed to protect the Delaware River and its harbors. The other two forts in the system were Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island and Fort DuPont in Delaware City, Delaware. Named in 1897 to honor Major General Gershom Mott, a veteran of the Mexican-American and Civil Wars, Fort Mott was a self-contained military community with over 30 buildings. These included barracks, officer's housing, a hospital, a library, and even a school. Troops were stationed here from 1897 to 1922. Advances in military technology rendered the fort obsolete by the end of World War II. New Jersey acquired the site in 1947, opening it to the public as a state park in 1951. Today, visitors can explore the old gun batteries, following interpretive signs detailing the fort's history. The park museum features exhibits on Fort Mott's role in history and the technology used to defend the river. The Delaware River offers shoreline spots for walking and picnicking. A seasonal ferry service provides access to Fort Delaware and Delaware City. The park also features the Finn's Point National Cemetery, the final resting place for Confederate prisoners of war and their Union guards.

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