|
During your trip to Fort Delaware, be sure to visit all of the areas that have been restored and talk to the people you see there. Take a tour to:
The Enlisted Men's Building
Visitors’ Center
The Visitors’ Center houses a model of the island, circa 1864, artifacts, and a brief orientation video. Pick up program information and purchase tickets for special programs.
The Fort Delaware Laundresses
Visit the laundry and meet Julia Gunning. She'll show you how to wash clothes the 19th‑century way.
Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall and Kitchen
Take a peek inside the kitchen to see where Food was prepared for up to 100 soldiers at a time in the kitchen.
Ordnance Room
All of the weapons-related supplies were examined, repaired, and stored in this room.
Issue Room
Everything a soldier may need to perform his duties, except weaponry, was stored in the Issue Room.
Infirmary
It was sometimes safer to visit the infirmary for minor ailments and avoid the contagious diseases like smallpox and malaria present at the main hospitals.
Back to top
The Officers’ Building
Staff Offices
All of the Fort's paperwork went through here at some point. As the nerve center of the fort, these offices can be quite busy.
Officers' Kitchen
Miss Susan Byrne was hired to cook for Captain Ahl and his family. Find out what the officers’ favorite dishes were.
Laundry
With all these people on this small island, it’s a good thing the government has hired 40 laundresses.
Officers’ Quarters
Take a look at the social side of Fort Delaware when you visit the Officers’ Quarters and see how the “upper class” of the army lived.
Library
The soldiers at the fort could find books and newspapers in the library, and join in lively discussions.
Back to top
Outside the Fort
POW Barracks
Venture down the path outside the fort to see how the POWs lived. Listen to Confederates talk about their lives as prisoners.
Back to top
Other Areas of the Fort
Blacksmith’s Shop
Visit the bustling shop, where Master Blacksmith Thomas Firth and his apprentices are working iron for the engineers at the fort.
8-Inch Columbiad Gun
This gun is especially important because it not only watches over the POW camp, but also defends the canal entrance in Delaware City.
Sally Port
The main entrance to Fort Delaware, the sally port could be completely locked down by closing the doors. As you can imagine, this is a busy place.
32-Pounder
Seacoast Gun
The artillerymen of the fort drill very hard to make sure the 32-pounder can defend the river at a moment’s notice.
Back to top
Looking for a unique place to hold your special event?
Fort Delaware is a great spot for family reunions, distinctive gatherings, and employee or client appreciation events, whether day or evening. Call (302) 834-7941 for more information.
Back to top
This page last updated 05/09/2008
|
