A Brief History of Fort Mifflin

Located on the scenic Delaware River, Fort Mifflin was originally built by the British in 1771. It is the site of the largest bombardment the North American continent has ever witnessed. In 1777, during the American Revolution, a valiant five-week battle took place when the British Navy attacked Fort Mifflin on Mud Island. The British had the garrison of approximately 400 Continental soldiers surrounded from three sides. Attempting to open the supply line for the British Army already in the Rebel capital of Philadelphia, the British shot over 10,000 cannonballs at the Fort, causing the garrison to eventually evacuate. Over 150 Continental soldiers died as a result of the battle and led Thomas Paine to write: “The garrison , with scarce anything to cover them but their bravery, survived in the midst of the mud, shot & shells, and were obliged to give up more to the powers of time & gunpowder than to military superiority.” This allowed General Washington and the Continental Army to repair to their winter quarters in a place called the Valley Forge. Too late in the season for British General Howe to chase them, the garrison at Fort Mifflin thus extended the war and allowed the American army time to regroup until the spring of 1778.

Forever after that known as the “Valiant Defender of the Delaware”, Fort Mifflin was reconstructed in 1798 as one of the coastal defenses of the era. An active military post until the Korean War, this made the Fort one of the longest continually used military posts in the nation up until that time. The Fort has played many roles in the security of our Nation in its 235 years of existence; garrisoned in the War of 1812, a Confederate prison during the Civil War and a munitions depot in World Wars I & II.

The Fort is home to 14 restored historic structures constructed from 1778 to 1875, including an Enlisted Barracks, Officer’s Quarters, Blacksmith Shop and the casemates (or as the students like to call them, the dungeons.) The Fort is situated on the beautiful banks of the Delaware River, where you can eat a picnic lunch and watch the abundant fauna and flora or investigate the ancient moat, which is home to all sorts of aquatic life. Our fully stocked Gift Shop located inside the Fort offers authentic reproduction Revolutionary and Civil War items, as well as a tremendous selection of books and art work.

The Fort also offers a wide variety of programming throughout the year. You’ll find some era in history for you, your family or a friends liking. Our numerous annual events, such as Civil War Garrison days, 4th of July Freedom Blast and the Annual Siege of Fort Mifflin are sure to please everyone. We also allow groups to rent the Fort for parties and company functions; have a kid’s birthday party or your next meeting in our conference room, we even have a full-service kitchen. Thousands of school students visit each year and participate in our education and interpretive programs, tours, weapons demonstrations and their favorite, the firing of our cannon.
Fort Mifflin is one of the most unique historic sites in the country and it’s just outside downtown Philadelphia. So why not become a member and join the fun and excitement at the “Fort That Saved America.”

Open to the Public March 1st to December 15th - Monday through Sunday 10 Am to 4 Pm.

Interpretive Guides in Revolutionary or Civil War Uniforms most weekends and 

For Group Tours Monday thru Sunday at 10 Am and 4 Pm.