Delaware Unveils New Historical Marker for Fort Delaware

Ceremony to honor the state's Civil War-era military site and preservation efforts

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A bold, graphic silkscreen illustration featuring the iconic Fort Delaware structure repeated in a colorful, abstract grid pattern, capturing the landmark's historic importance in a modern pop art style.The vibrant new historical marker will commemorate Fort Delaware's enduring significance in Delaware's military and cultural heritage.Wilmington Today

The State of Delaware will unveil a new historical marker honoring Fort Delaware, a 19th-century coastal defense fortification that also served as a Union prison during the Civil War. The dedication ceremony will take place on April 25, 2026, at Battery Park in Delaware City, bringing together state and local officials, as well as representatives from Delaware State Parks and the Fort Delaware Society.

Why it matters

Fort Delaware played a significant role in Delaware's military history and the Civil War, and its preservation as a state park has ensured the site remains an important part of the state's cultural heritage. The new historical marker recognizes these important legacies.

The details

Constructed by the federal government on Pea Patch Island in the mid-1800s, Fort Delaware served as a coastal defense fortification protecting the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. During the Civil War, it also functioned as a Union prison for Confederate soldiers. In 1951, through advocacy led by the Fort Delaware Society, the site was preserved as one of Delaware's first state parks.

  • The dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
  • The event will be held rain or shine, with an alternate indoor location at Dolly Spankers if needed.

The players

State of Delaware

The government of the state of Delaware, which is overseeing the historical marker program and the preservation of Fort Delaware.

Fort Delaware Society

A group that advocated for the preservation of Fort Delaware, leading to its designation as a state park in 1951.

Delaware State Parks

The agency responsible for managing and maintaining Fort Delaware as a state park.

Delaware Public Archives

The agency that has administered the State of Delaware Historical Markers Program since 1990.

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What’s next

Visitors interested in touring Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island after the ceremony should purchase ferry tickets through Fort Delaware's ticketing office.

The takeaway

The unveiling of this new historical marker for Fort Delaware highlights the state's commitment to preserving its military and cultural history, ensuring that important sites like this remain accessible to the public and continue to educate future generations about Delaware's past.