Fort Delaware Civil War Site and History

The first state to join the original United States is Delaware. This tiny state is also the second smallest in the U.S. Its geographical location of the state impacted the amount of action that was seen here during the Civil War.

There is one organized Delaware Civil War site. Even though this particular Civil War site played a relatively small roll in the conflict, to the people who lived, died and worked on the site it was as important as any of the larger battles.

Intriguingly, Delaware is the only state with slave holders that chose not to organize troops and send them off to battle during the Civil War. The residents that did choose to fight enlisted with one of the neighboring states but not from their home soil.

Life in this state was greatly disrupted during the Civil War. Like with other places in the country, family and friends were pitted against each other. It was not unheard of to have one brother supporting one side while the other brother or family member supported the other side. The unrest here may be best described as a tinderbox waiting for a match.

Historical Society of Delaware reports on their website that during the conflict, voting could not be achieved without the presence of Union troops. Tensions were high. The troops were there to keep the peace by preventing another uprising.

The organized Delaware Civil War site that did play a role is a fort on Pea Patch Island. It is now better known as Fort Delaware State Park.

Contact information for the park is as follows:

Visitor Center
38 Clinton St.
Delaware City DE 19706
Phone: 302-834-7941

Construction of Fort Delaware was a start and stop progress from the years of 1815 '" 1856 when Congress approved the final appropriation on the costs of the fort. From its spot on Pea Patch Island, was designed to protect the state's coastal ports from enemy attack. It was created and staffed with the help of freed African Americans.

During the Civil War, the fort served as the home for up to 30,000 Confederate prisoners or war. Up to 10% of those encamped there would succumb to war related injuries or the situation in which they were kept. Their graves are in a nearby cemetery.

The Fort Delaware Civil War site is now open for tours. There is a picnic area, hiking trails and visitor center. It is not only a tourist attraction but is a place for the people of the state to learn about the Delaware Civil War site.

Living history reenactments and programs are offered frequently. Ranger talks are available. Visitors can also take a fall foliage tour or enjoy a Military Heritage River Crossing. Programs and information is available for teachers who wish to bring a group.

There is a lot to see and do at the Delaware Civil War site. View the website above for schedule and pricing.

Sources:
Civil War Traveler
Delaware state parks
Historical Society of Delaware
Wikipedia