Pennsville in Salem County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Pea Patch Island
Fort Mott was one of three forts built at this location on the Delaware River.
At this section of the Delaware estuary, the waterway narrows from a broad bay into a river. Considered a strategic location early in the nineteenth century, military officials selected this area for a coastal defense fortification. Fort Delaware was built on Pea Patch Island during the first half of the nineteenth century. However, the advent of steam-powered naval vessels necessitated a more elaborate defensive scheme to adequately protect the upstream ports. Fort DuPont on the Delaware shore and Fort Mott on the New Jersey side were designed and built during the last half of the nineteenth century to reinforce Fort Delaware. The three fort system remained in force until after World War I.
Fort Delaware is visible on Pea Patch Island. Finished in 1859, it also served as a prison for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Many of the prisoners who died there are buried at Finn’s Point National Cemetery, located adjacent to the north side of Fort Mott.
Erected by Fort Mott State Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 39° 36.225′ N, 75° 33.163′ W. Marker is in Pennsville, New Jersey, in Salem County. Marker is on Fort Mott Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the Walking Tour of Fort Mott State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pennsville NJ 08070, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Two Batteries in one (a few steps from this marker); Battery Arnold (within shouting distance of this marker); The Latrines (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); Generator Room (within shouting distance of this marker); Switchboard Room / Plotting Room (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery Commander’s Station (about 400 feet away); Battery Harker (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pennsville.
More about this marker. Three photographs on the marker. One shows Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island, another depicts Pea Patch Island from Fort Mott, and the last is an aerial view of the three forts on the Delaware River.
Also see . . . Fort Delaware State Park. (Submitted on August 16, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,556 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 16, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.