The fort is a good distance from the boat dock, but there is a jitney (no cost) to save you a long, hot walk.

I had learned earlier that a couple of our family members were imprisoned at Fort Delaware during the Civil War and thought I would like to know more about the prison facility.

Fort Delaware is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, end of April through September. From Mid-June through Labor Day, the park is also open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a fee for the boat transportation to Pea Patch Island.

The Fort Delaware Society was founded in 1950 as a private, nonprofit-organization, the all-volunteer society is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Fort Delaware. Their office is located in the Fort Dupont State Park about a mile or so from downtown Delaware City. For information or research requests, write or call:

Fort Delaware Society PO Box 553 Delaware City, DE 19706.  The voice telephone number is 302.834.1630.

The Fort Delaware Society maintains a roster of those who were imprisoned on the island during the Civil War. Carr Bowers McClenny and James Madison McClenny were both prisoners of war at Fort Delaware. Among the first prisoners to be placed in Fort Delaware were 250 of Stonewall Jackson's men, captured at the Battle of Kearnstown, VA during March, 1862. Eighteen months later, there were 12,500 prisoners. Over 3,000 of the prisoners died on the island from war wounds, diseases and malnutrition.

The prisoners were kept in one-story, wooden buildings located on the marshland outside the fortress. Over the period of time, 33,000 Civil War prisoners were there. The Union and Confederacy posted various claims to how many prisoners escaped, but apparently it was less than 500. One prisoner was shot and killed by a young Union soldier who was severely chastised. Many died from the exposure and diseases.

The fortress which dates back to 1859, was originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. The fortress is built of brick and granite and is surrounded by a moat. Park interpreters will tell you anything you wish to know. The calendar of events included artillery demos, restoration activities, medical practices of the 1860's, living history prison life, open hearth cooking and more.

Here are some pictures of Fort Delaware.

Map of the Island
Entrance Gates
Wall of the Fort
Interior of the Fort

Pea Patch island is a summer home to nine different species of herons, egrets and ibis. The marshes provide habitat for one of the largest wading bird nesting areas on the east coast. A trail and observation tower provide you with opportunities for photography and nature observation.

Take a picnic lunch as there is a picnic area. Tables and grills are provided and soft drinks, snacks and water are available on the island. Alcohol is not allowed. There are no trash facilities and you are asked to remove all your trash from the island when you leave. There is a restroom facility.

Fort Delaware also offers Candlelight Ghost Tours on some Friday evenings during July, August and September. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and costs $ 12 per person. Reservations are required. Call (302) 834-7941 to make your reservation.