During the early years after the Revolutionary War, the US government was looking for areas along the coast that could be used to build defensive forts as well as ports for trade. After some years, they found a small island known locally as Pea Patch Island in Delaware. But, at the time the land was used by Dr. Henry Gale, a wealthy New Jersey resident who used the area for his hunting excursions. After some back and forth and declined money offers, the state of Delaware stepped in. The state claimed ownership of the land and ceded the island to the US government in 1820 which in turn used the land for military purposes. This land would become Fort Delaware.

Over the next 40 years, a massive fort was built on the land, until its completion in 1859. This new structure was and remains enormous. 32 foot high walls in places; many which are seven - twenty feet thick. A large moat covers areas surrounding the fort with only a drawbridge allowing visitors to come and go. At first glance, the fort is a very intimidating and offers little hope to those who enter.

A photo posted by Nick (@nsandin88) on Nov 7, 2024 at 6:05pm PST

As fate would have it, the fort played very little regarding a defensive structure. Rather it was used for keeping people in, specifically Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Over the span of four years the fort turned into a prison camp where nearly 33,000 prisoners remained. The largest of the holdings was a span in 1863 after the battle of Gettysburg where 11,000 prisoners were captured and stored.

Since the fort was not made to be a prison, the conditions were not good. In fact, many of the holding cells were inhumane. Prisoners were fed very little, tortured for information, and given dirty undrinkable water. For fun, guards would find enjoyment from “rat calls” where mice were thrown into cells so prisoners could fight over a “warm meal.” It was a breeding ground for disease and death, killing almost 2,500. Many of these restless spirits are still wandering the fort today.

Ghosts can be seen on a daily basis throughout the fort. Between the dungeons, halls, rooms, and more it very seldom to not hear a strange voice or get a cold chill down your spine. Those who bring cameras tend to capture orbs or full body apparitions. One of the most talked about ghosts is that of a young chef who died in the fort and haunts the kitchen. There is also the story of a young nine-year-old drummer boy who was planning an escape and decided to hide in a coffin. Things took a turn for the worse and boy ended up being buried alive. He still haunts the grounds, playing his drum.

You can visit the spirits yourself by signing up for a historical or haunted tour of the grounds here.

Just make sure you have a way back.

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Haunted Places, Legends and Ghosts

Fort Delaware : Delaware City, DE

Fort Delaware : Delaware City, DE

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