Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
What Makes Wetlands?
The basic characteristic of a wetland is water-logged soil or a shallow layer of water. Wetlands include mudflats, tidal marshes, bogs, ponds and swamps.
A Freshwater Tidal Marsh
The wetland at Fort Mifflin is a fresh-water tidal marsh. A powerful tide rolls up the Delaware River from the Atlantic twice daily. Saltwater does not mix with fresh water this far up-river.
Wetland Benefits
In colonial times, people feared wetlands as sources of disease and “poisonous vapors.” Until fairly recently, people considered wetlands worthless because they weren’t useful for building upon or farming.
During the 20th century, marshes and swamps were aggressively drained and filled throughout the United States.
Today, people increasingly understand their importance and are trying to save remaining wetlands from destruction. At Fort Mifflin, we are making efforts to restore and maintain the wetland habitat.
Wetlands:
• Are natural purifying systems. Organisms that live in the mud filter toxins and wastes out of water.
• Absorb rain, then release water slowly, reducing the impact of flooding caused by storms.
• Retain water, which then recharges groundwater supplies.
• Absorb the energy of waves with thick vegetation, reducing erosion of river banks.
• Are animal nurseries, providing safe havens for bearing and rearing young.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources.
Location. 39° 52.51′ N, 75° 12.72′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Fort Mifflin. Marker can be reached from W Fort Mifflin Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the most on the east side of Fort Mifflin. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6400 Hog Island Rd, Philadelphia PA 19153, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Native Plants of Fort Mifflin (a few steps from this marker); Main Gate / Flag (a few steps from this marker); Expert Fishers of Fort Mifflin (a few steps from this marker); Muddy Island in the Marsh (a few steps from this marker); Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Casemates or Bombproofs (within shouting distance of this marker); Arsenal (within shouting distance of this marker); Quartermaster’s Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Also see . . . The Fort that saved America. The Official Website of Fort Mifflin on the Delaware. (Submitted on November 11, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 356 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 11, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.