
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, September 30, 2023
10:00 AM
Find out about the bustling community that was Fort DuPont during the 1920s and 1930s. We will take a leisurely stroll through the former army base and talk about many of the buildings, including the post exchange, theater, administrative headquarters, quartermaster storehouses, and guardhouse. Learn some of the great, unique stories of this important historic site. Meeting place will be the parking lot at the end of Old Battery Lane. This program is free, but registration is suggested. You may register by emailing Jake at jacob.miller@delaware.gov.
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
6:30 PM
Fort DuPont was created in 1899 to defend the Delaware River and points north from attack by sea. Over its 45 years in existence, it became a thriving community, full of incredible people and incredible stories. Come hear about the events and people that make this forgotten historic site significant. This program will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams. It is free, but pre-registration is required. You may register by emailing Jake at jacob.miller@delaware.gov. For any questions, call our office at 302-834-7941.
Saturday, November 11, 2023
10:00 AM
Find out about the bustling community that was Fort DuPont during the 1920s and 1930s. We will take a leisurely stroll through the former army base and talk about many of the buildings, including the post exchange, theater, administrative headquarters, quartermaster storehouses, and guardhouse. Learn some of the great, unique stories of this important historic site. Meeting place will be the parking lot at the end of Old Battery Lane. This program is free, but registration is suggested. You may register by emailing Jake at jacob.miller@delaware.gov.