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Board the ferry to Pea Patch Island to tour Fort Delaware, a Civil War fortress and prison to more than 33,000 Confederate, Federal Army and political prisoners, located along the Delaware River near Wilmington.
But the half-mile river ride to Fort Delaware State Park yields much more to the nature-conscious visitor. The island's extensive marshlands provide an outstanding habitat for the largest heronry north of Florida, as well as egrets and ibis.
The island is less than 288 acres and includes a one-mile hiking trail with a wildlife observation tower.
The granite and brick fort, built in the 1850s and 1860s, once housed 156 cannons. The fort has been extensively restored to its Civil War-era appearance, including kitchens, officers' quarters, offices, ordnance and equipment issue rooms and a messs hall. It is staffed by costumed living history interpreters.
A full-scale replica of one of the prison barracks has been built on the original location.
A small museum with many of the fort's artifacts is available. An eight-inch Columbiad gun, the largest fireable Civil War-era cannon in the country, is mounted on the fort's terrplein and is fired once daily.
Admission to the island is free, but there is a charge for the ferry, which is the only way to reach the island. Private watercraft are prohibited.
The ferry operates from the last weekend in April through July. Call for a detailed schedule.
The ferry departs from the park docks off Clinton Street near Battery Park in Delaware City and from Fort Mott State Park in Pennsville, N.J.
Outdoor Activities |
Union soldiers stage a re-enactment at the park.
View stately Fort Delaware.
The remote marshes of Fort Delaware State Park provide an outstanding habitat for one of the largest wading-bird nesting areas on the east coast.
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