Walk along the River View Trail and see both Battery Elder and Battery Read and Gibson. Stop to consider the role of Fort DuPont as part of a three-fort system in the evolution of coastal defense. Bring binoculars for spotting wildlife along the trail.
Walk around the property and read the waysides to discover the history of this park, which served as a military base from the Civil War all the way through World War II.
Named for a Civil War U.S. Naval hero, Fort DuPont was built to protect port cities along the Delaware River, like Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy ships. When its weaponry became obsolete after World War I, Fort DuPont’s role switched primarily to training. The backbone of Fort DuPont’s coastal defense included its rifle, mortar and rapid-fire batteries that can still be seen today. A theater built in the 1930s still stands on the property, as well. The Riverview Trail is a prime spot to watch wading birds fly between Pea Patch Island and the mainland. Visitors can also see ospreys dive for fish in the river during the summer months, a variety of waterfowl in winter and bald eagles year-round.
TThe park is bounded on two sides by the scenic Delaware River and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Use the boat launch to get out on the water to fish and explore the Delaware River. Click for information about fishing and fishing permits.
The River View Trail takes you alongside the Delaware River and affords a glimpse of the site's rich historic past. Six gun batteries were built at Fort DuPont during what is known as the “Endicott Period” (1898-1910), and five of them can be seen along the trail: Batteries Read and Gibson, completed in 1898; Batteries Rodney and Best, and Battery Elder, completed in 1899; and Battery Elder, completed in 1904.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
10:00 AM
Fort DuPont may seem quiet now, but in the 1930s and 1940s it was an important, bustling military base! Come along with our park historian as we talk about life at the fort in this period, and imagine what it would have been like to live here. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes for this one-hour tour. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941.
Saturday, June 1, 2024
10:00 AM
Fort DuPont began its life as an artillery post, defending the river passage to Philadelphia from enemy ships. How was it prepared for this role? In this hike, we will discuss all of the various weapons systems at Fort DuPont, and how they worked. We will also see the remaining concrete emplacements from the early 1900s. Wear sturdy, waterproof walking shoes that you don't mind getting dirty for this one-hour tour. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941.