"A Quiet American Gem" Fort Delaware State Park by KiKitC

Fort Delaware State Park Travel Guide: 11 reviews and 29 photos

Fort Delaware - Fort Delaware State Park

American Civil War History

In 1817, Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island was orignally built for protection of the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia, but soon became a feared prison for Confederate Soldiers during the Civil War.

Today, Fort Delaware State Park is a fabulous day trip into American History. The amazing pentagonal-shaped stone fort has been restored and houses a museum and living history exhibits...see tips.

The island itself is a bird sanctuary as well, and can be a birdwatcher's dream...

A Quiet American Gem - Fort Delaware State Park

Volunteers at the park, dressed in period garb, reenact life at the fort in 1864. Each "character" is based on a real person who was housed or prisoned here. Artillery and 19th century lifestyle demonstrations are conducted throughout the day. Vistors can walk through the fort, including the officers quarters, mess hall, kitchens and cannon turrets.

Don't go away...there's MORE!

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A fantastic exhibit of Civil War History

Last visit to Fort Delaware State Park: Jun 2009
Intro Updated Jul 2, 2009
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Reviews (6)

The Officer's Building Things to Do (4)

When the fort was turned over to the state in 1947, much of the fort was vandalized. Piles of plaster had fallen from... more travel advice

Ferry to Pea Patch Island - Fort Delaware State Park

Ferry to Pea Patch Island Transportation (1)

The State of Delaware acquired the fort in 1947 and opened Fort Delaware State Park. Access to the island is by ferry... more travel advice

The Enlisted Men's Building Things to Do (4)

A lot of restoration has been done to room within the fort that housed and served the enlisted men. You can visit the... more travel advice

Sergeant Bryan - Fort Delaware State Park

Fort life in 1864 Local Customs (1)

Every day is a depiction of a day in 1864, at the heart of the fort's history. Every character here is based on... more travel advice

Comments (7)

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BruceDunning Mar 11, 2010 at 2:00 PM

Wow-this is really the kind of place I take interest in to see. You did such a great job of describing the area and its sites.
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Basaic Mar 3, 2010 at 4:11 PM

Great page! It is interesting to see the other side of Andersonville.
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MD2nd Feb 13, 2010 at 12:56 AM

Great page! Very interesting with historical information. Thank you.
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balhannah Dec 29, 2009 at 9:35 PM

An interesting page! Fort Delaware looks colossal!
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sourbugger Jul 18, 2009 at 7:50 AM

very interesting page
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Jul 15, 2009 at 4:44 AM

You really had a fabulous trip into American History! Thank you Christine for having told us about it and having showed on VT this very interesting place!
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Yaqui Jul 2, 2009 at 3:49 PM

Another wonderful historical gem Christine! These places are so important and your tips and photos are so informative. Nice page!