Fort Mott State Park
🏰 Civil War Fortification on the Delaware River — Disappearing Gun Batteries, Confederate Cemetery, and a Ferry to Fort Delaware — A coastal defense fort from the 1890s with cannon emplacements, a moated fortress, Finns Point National Cemetery, and seasonal ferry to Pea Patch Island — Salem County, New Jersey
Fort Mott State Park preserves one of America’s most impressive Endicott-era coastal defense fortifications — a moated, earthen-bermed fortress built in the 1890s to guard the Delaware River alongside Fort Delaware (on Pea Patch Island) and Fort DuPont (in Delaware). The three forts formed a triangulated defense system designed to prevent enemy warships from reaching Philadelphia.
The fort’s most dramatic features are its disappearing gun batteries — massive artillery platforms where 10- and 12-inch guns rose above the parapet to fire, then dropped back behind the wall for protection. Battery Arnold (three 12-inch guns) and Battery Harker (three 10-inch guns) remain remarkably intact. Adjacent to the park, Finns Point National Cemetery holds the graves of 2,436 Confederate prisoners of war who died at nearby Fort Delaware, marked by an 85-foot granite obelisk.
What to See
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Arnold | Three 12-inch gun emplacements | Disappearing carriage design |
| Battery Harker | Three 10-inch guns | Walk through the gun positions |
| Moat & Parados | Defensive earthworks | Rare rear-defense design |
| Finns Point Cemetery | 2,436 Confederate graves | 85-ft obelisk, 135 Union soldiers |
| Delaware River Views | Waterfront overlook | Views to Pea Patch Island |
Forts Ferry Crossing
| Detail | Info | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Fort Mott → Pea Patch Island → Delaware City | Three-fort triangle |
| Season | Late Apr – late Sep | Check schedule for times |
| Destination | Fort Delaware State Park | Civil War living history museum |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 78–88°F | Ferry running, full programs, living history |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 55–72°F | Ferry opens, wildflowers, comfortable |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 55–72°F | Ferry ends, foliage, quiet exploration |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 30–48°F | Grounds open, no ferry, solitude |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Mott Entry | FREE | Grounds always open |
| Ferry + Fort Delaware | $12–$15/adult | Seasonal, includes island admission |
| Day Trip | $0–$15 | Fort + cemetery free; ferry extra |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are disappearing guns?
Artillery on counterweighted carriages that rose above the wall to fire, then dropped back behind the parapet for protection. Fort Mott’s batteries are some of the best-preserved examples in the eastern US.
Can I take the ferry to Fort Delaware?
Yes — seasonally. The Forts Ferry Crossing runs from late April through late September, connecting Fort Mott to Pea Patch Island (Fort Delaware) and Delaware City.
Is Finns Point Cemetery worth visiting?
Absolutely. The 85-foot obelisk marking the graves of 2,436 Confederate POWs is a solemn and powerful historic site — one of the largest Confederate burial grounds in the North.
🏰 Three-Fort Defense System
Disappearing gun batteries, a moated fortress, Confederate cemetery, and a ferry to Fort Delaware — New Jersey’s most impressive military history park.
Wildlife & Nature
Fort Mott SP — a coastal defense fort (1896-1946) on the Delaware River. The fort’s river, gun emplacements, and coastal terrain support bald eagles, ospreys, and migratory waterfowl.
Nearby Attractions
Pennsville, NJ — adjacent. Delaware River — at the park. Fort Delaware SP — visible across the river.
