May 8, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 205

Media Contact Information: Laura Lee, Fort Delaware State Park, 302-834-7941; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, or necia.beck@state.de.us

Dates Still Available for Group Tours of Fort Delaware

DELAWARE CITY, Del. - Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island has long been a destination for school field trips, but the staff at the park reminds the public that any group can tour the Fort to learn the history of the Civil War prison. Dates are still available beginning June 3 through August for group tours. 

Fort Delaware housed Confederate prisoners of war during the Civil War. Because of its remote location on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, it was important for the fort to be self-sufficient. A school, a church and hospitals were built on the island. The soldiers and prisoners along with the civilians who worked there brought the island’s population into the tens of thousands. 

A unique and award-winning Living History program relates the history and tales of the fort and the people who lived there, and groups can tour the fortress that was featured on the "Ghost Hunters" television program in 2008. Picnic tables and a food concession make it easy for groups to spend the entire day taking in all of the fort’s features.

Groups interested in more information about scheduling a tour should contact the Fort Delaware park office at 302-834-7941.