The State of Delaware deeded Pea Patch Island, located in the Delaware River between Delaware and New Jersey, to the Federal government in 1813, and construction of Fort Delaware was completed around 1859. Originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia, Pea Patch Island also became a Union prison camp during the Civil War, housing up to as many as 12,595 Confederate prisoners of war at one time. Manned only briefly during World Wars I and II, the island and fort were finally abandoned and declared surplus property in 1944, when ownership was transferred back to the State of Delaware. Fort Delaware became a state park in 1951.

Home to one of the largest Atlantic Coast nesting sites for herons, egrets, and ibises north of Florida. An estimated 5,000 – 12,000 breeding pairs call this heronry home annually. Prime bird watching awaits from our heronry observation platform on the Prison Camp Trail. Learn more about Nature Preserves and Trails .

Access to Pea Patch Island and Fort Delaware is by ferry only. The ticket office and ferry dock are located at 45 Clinton Street in Delaware City. Advance ferry tickets are available online.

Reserve Your Tickets

Same day tickets may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at our ticket office. Call (302) 834-7941 for availability.
Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older during their visit to Fort Delaware.
Leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home.

Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes — the ground on the island is uneven in places, and you will also be asked to step onto wet biomats to prevent spreading of spores. White-Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that does not affect humans but is deadly to bats. Bats are vitally important to our ecology; they help to control pests and are important pollinators. White-Nose Syndrome has been confirmed at Fort Delaware.

Private boats including kayaks and canoes, are not permitted to dock on Pea Patch Island.