| Last updated on August 2, 2007 |
Fort Mifflin as a National Historic Landmark whose unique history and its original fabric has been protected and used for the sole reason to educate and enrich students and their families and serve as a significant national and regional tourist resource. Physical and Architectural Preservation is in the periods of 1775 to 1952. Historical Interpretation and Education Programs are inclusive to the Fort's service in all U.S. major wars of that period.
Description:
The mission of Fort Mifflin is to celebrate a patriotic act of incredible courage by some 400 Colonial troops, many who sacrificed their lives for us in 1777. That deed enabled General Washington's Continental Army to survive and eventually win the war for independence. In their honor we have developed, preserved and interpreted Fort Mifflin as a National Historic Landmark whose unique history and its original fabric has been protected and used for the sole reason to educate and enrich students and their families and serve as a significant national and regional tourist resource. Physical and Architectural Preservation is in the periods of 1775 to 1952. Historical Interpretation and Education Programs are inclusive to the Fort's service in all U.S. major wars of that period. Restoration of the historic buildings and grounds are for the object of telling the stories of those soldiers to the school children and families that visit the fort.
History:
Fort Mifflin, originally built in 1772 by British engineers, is the site of the greatest bombardment the North American continent has ever seen. Defending the Rebel capital city of Philadelphia, the fort contained the British Navy in the Delaware River for six weeks during the fall of 1777. This single act of courage cost the garrison over 150 lives and led Thomas Paine, writer of “Common Sense,” to write, “The gallant defenders had nothing more than their courage to protect them.” But, by detaining the British Navy’s arrival into Philadelphia until the onset of winter, it provided just enough precious time for the tired and worn Continental Army, led by General George Washington, to settle into Valley Forge without threat of reprisal.
The fort was also garrisoned by the U.S. Army throughout the Civil War and eventually became a prison for Confederate soldiers captured at the Battle of Gettysburg. The army continued to use the fort as a military installation through four more wars, making it the oldest fort in continuous use in the United States to date. All historic buildings are original as well as the walls.
In 1954 the site was abandoned by the army and deeded to the City of Philadelphia. The city, having few resources to provide for its security and restoration and interpretation, left it to the weeds, history and time. But in 1984, the non-profit Fort Mifflin on the Delaware was founded to work with the city to preserve the site. Eventually, in 1993 the non-profit signed an agreement with the City of Philadelphia to manage the site and to see to its restoration, preservation, security and interpretation. Nearly 10,000 school children walk through its gates every year and enjoy tours led by uniformed interpretive guides and learn the history of the American soldier in education classrooms conducted by the staff. The public swells the forts attendance to four times that amount during dozens of living history re-enactments and special events throughout the year.
This National Historic Landmark is composed of 14 buildings, a moat, 25-acres of rich nature preserve set along the banks of the scenic Delaware River. All of the buildings are completely restored and the last, the Commandants House, is nearly finished. Today the fort appears as it did in 1839, but is interpreted from the Revolutionary War to World War II.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (215) 685-4166
Address:
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Fort Mifflin & Hog Island Roads
Philadelphia, PA 19153
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.fortmifflin.us
Directions:
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From Center City - South of I-95, Take Exit 15 (Island/Enterprise Avenue. At the end of the ramp drive approximately 400 years to the three way stop sign and turn right onto Fort Mifflin Road. Drive exactly 1. . . (more)
Nearest Bus Stop: None, None minute walk
For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/ |
Miscellaneous Information
| Are court referrals welcomed? |
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Yes
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