Pennsville in Pennsville Township in Salem County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Moat and the Parados
Fort Mott State Park
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 6, 2015
1. The Moat and the Parados Marker
The parados (Spanish for rear door) is the earthen hill adjacent to the gun battery. It serve as a shield against gunfire from the rear. Construction of the moat and parados at Fort Mott began in 1897 and took over two years to complete.
The earth used to build the parados came from digging the moat; 44,500 cubic yards of earth, over 200,000 tons, was moved with grapples, wheelbarrows, and shovels. The work was grueling. Each man was expected to move nearly five tons of earth daily for a wage of $1.25.
Once completed, the parados was 20 feet wide at the top and extended the entire 750-foot length of the main fortification wall.
[Caption:]
The moat was constructed by hand using shovels and wheelbarrows. Mules were used to help move soil and shape the parados.
The parados originally reflected the “mirror image” of the moat. This feature provided a substantial obstacle to help thwart the advance of an enemy force attempting to capture the main gate line, as well as protect the gun crews from enemy artillery fire.
Erected by New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.
Topics. This memorial is listed
this page online
Location. 39° 36.259′ N, 75° 33.032′ W. Memorial is in Pennsville Township, New Jersey, in Salem County. It is in Pennsville. It is on Fort Mott Road. The marker is located on the grounds of Fort Mott State Park. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 454 Fort Mott Rd, Pennsville NJ 08070, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in Greater Wilmington, in South Jersey, and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Observation Towers (a few steps from this marker); Post Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Officer's Row (within shouting distance
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 6, 2015
2. The Moat and the Parados Marker
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 6, 2015
3. Welcome sign to Fort Mott
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 6, 2015
4. Sign at the entrance to the Park
Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 452 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
