Fort du Pont, Delaware — History & Visitor Guide

Fort du Pont (Delaware City, Delaware)

Delaware City · Delaware · Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II

Quick BriefFort DuPont was originally established in 1863 as the Ten Gun Battery opposite Fort Delaware. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, it defended the Delaware River and the water approach to Philadelphia as part of the Harbor Defenses of the Delaware from 1900 through 1942. In 1992 a portion was redesignated as Fort DuPont State Park, which became Delaware's 13th state park.

Civil WarEndicott SystemCoastal defenseOpen to visitors

History & Significance

Ten Gun Battery, briefly called Fort Reynolds, was built from 1863 to 1864 on the property of 1st Lt. Clement Reeves of the 5th Delaware Volunteer Infantry. Although its garrison and guns never saw battle, Fort DuPont served as a lifeline of freedom—runaway slaves found safety here before moving on to join the growing community of "contrabands" in Washington.

In 1897 construction began on concrete gun batteries armed with long-range rifles, rapid-fire rifles and mortars, and the fort was renamed in honor of Rear Admiral Samuel F. DuPont, U.S. Navy, for his distinguished service in 1899. When its weaponry became obsolete after World War I, Fort DuPont's role switched primarily to training.

In May 1944, the 1231st SCU prisoner-of-war camp was established; during the war, roughly 3,000 German POWs were housed at Fort DuPont, including crew members of the submarine U-858 that surrendered off the coast of Lewes, Delaware in May 1945. Fort DuPont was deactivated in 1946 and sold as surplus property; in 1948 the site reopened as the Governor Bacon Health Center.

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🧳 Visiting

What you’ll see when you visit:

Civil War and World War II-era coastal defense fortification with artillery emplacements
Over 75 historic buildings and structures spanning 1863-1945 military use
350-acre park setting on the Delaware River with river views
Former prisoner-of-war camp grounds with interpretive potential
National Register historic site showcasing defensive architecture evolution

Best time to visitSpring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather ideal for exploring the extensive grounds and outdoor structures.

Getting thereFly into ILG (Wilmington Airport, about 12 km away) and drive to Delaware City.

From the nearest major airportPhiladelphia International Airport (PHL)🚗 37 mi by road⏱️ ≈ 56 min drive

Fort du Pont (Delaware City, Delaware)

History & Significance

Key Facts

Map

🧳 Visiting

Sources

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