Fort Delaware State Park - Delaware

Address:45 Clinton Street
Delaware City, Delaware
Tel: (302) 834-7941

Located on an island in the middle of the Delaware River, Fort Delaware is one of Delaware's first State Parks. Though it was acquired by the state of Delaware only in 1947, the park's history dates back to 1859, when the Union fortress served as a prison for Confederate prisoners of war. Today, history is preserved well at Fort Delaware, where historic interpreters take visitors back to 1863 through incredible hands-on exhibits such a blacksmithing and an old-time laundry. Twice a year, the park hosts Civil War re-enactments which are truly exciting events, particularly for history buffs. There is no shortage of nature here either; the fortress is a summer home to nine types of herons, egrets and ibis, which makes this park an attractive "stop-in" when traveling in the area.

Fort Delaware is one of Delaware's first state parks, created in 1951. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Union fortress dates back to 1859, and once served as a prison for Confederate prisoners of war. It was originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. The State of Delaware acquired the Fort from the Federal Government in 1947.