Layout of Fort Mifflin, the Fort that saved America

1. Hospital/Mess Hall
Outside the walls to the northeast is a two-story building that served as a mess hall for the garrison and a hospital for the Fort. Today, it houses Fort Mifflin?s administrative offices.

2. Moat
During the American War for Independence (1775-1783), Fort Mifflin was located on an island. The defending troops, to further fortify the location, dug a ditch around much of the Fort. After the war, the moat was completed, surrounding the entire perimeter of the wall. Today, the moat is home to rare habitat and wildlife found in few places around the world.

3. North Wall and Gate
Built in the post-1795 construction, the North Wall and Gate links two corner bastions. The gate provided a means for the defending troops to storm outside of the Fort and ambush attacking troops, if Fort Mifflin were under attack.

4. Marble Tablet
If you are facing the North Gate from the inside, the keystone to the arched entrance is inscribed with the name of President John Adams, who requested the renovations of Fort Mifflin in 1795. The Roman numerals MDCCXCVIII, representing 1798 are engraved into the stone.

5. Water Battery
This battery, bujilt in the 1790s, gave Fort Mifflin the room necessary to increase the number f cannons defending the Fort. It was expanded following the Civil War, and is now open for visitors to experience a great view of the Delaware River. Picnic facilities are also located in this area.

6. Main Gate
This gate, found on the northeast end of the Fort, was part of the 1895 construction. On both sides of the gate, you will see the stone walls that made up the original 1770s construction of the Fort.

7. East & South Walls
The white stone walls visible on the south and east walls of Fort Mifflin are the only remnants of John Montresor's original 1770s construction.

8. Flagpole
The flagpole, the base of which is insrcibed with the date 1798, currently flies the flag believed to have flown her eduring the seige in 1777, the Continental Navy flag.

9. Casements
The casements, or bombproofs were originally designed to serve as soldiers? barracks in the event of an enemy bombardment. During the Civil War, these rooms held prisoners of war from the Confederate Army and lawbreakers from the Union side.

10. Northeast Bastion
If you look to the north from the bastion, you can see Philadelphia. The Delaware River is to the south. This demonstrates the Fort?s strategic positioning as a defense for the city.

11. Quartermaster's Store
This building, which held supplies for the garrison, today serves as the Fort?s rest facilities and snack room.

12. Siege of 1777 Exhibit Room
This room, on the lower floor of the Soldiers' Barracks contains artifacts and displays about the Fort?s role in the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777.

13. Soldiers Barracks
Built in the 1790s, the Solidiers Barracks served as living quarters for enlisted men and non-commssioned officers.

14. Officers Quarters
Officers and their families lived in this building, with the exception of the commandant. The conditions were not nearly as crowded as those found in the Soldiers? Barracks.

15. Gunpowder Magazine
This magazine, built between 1864 and 1867, held the Fort?s gunpowder stores. It was built to provide every precaution against an accidental explosion that could have caused serious damage to the Fort.

16. Flood Control
Since the Fort is at sea level, it is likely the grounds will flood during a storm. Water is channeled through these drains and out into the moat to keep the grounds dry in the event of heavy rain.

17. Commandant's House
This building served as both the Citadel, or fort within a fort, for the Fort and as the livng quarters for the Commandant and his family. The upstairs included living quarters for the family, while downstairs was an office, kitchen, and area for entertaining guests.

18. Blacksmith's Shop
Even though the grounds at Fort Mifflin could not accomodate horses, the blacksmith was still quite busy. In most cases, the blacksmith working at the Fort was a civilian. To this day, one of the bellows and hearth used by the blacksmith is still operational.

19. West Sallyport
This gare, which dates back to the late 18th century, leads out to the moat. On both sides of the gate are guardhouses.

20. Artillery Shed
Built in 1836, this building was used to house artillery. It is open at one end to allow air in, keeping moisture from building up.

21. Cannon Mounts
Along the top of the walls of the Fort are the cannon mounts from the 19th century. This provided the Fort with added defense should enemy ships move up the Delaware River.

22 Torpedo Casemate
In the 1870s, the United States tested a new device that originated in Great Britain. Much of the testing for that weapon, the torpedo, took place in this room, with a channel that led out to the moat.

23. Arsenal
Originally built as a guard house in 1816, this room stored the small arms for the Fort. Even though the Fort primarily housed artillary, small arms were necessary for the defense of Philadelphia.

24. High Battery and Mortar Battery
Six original gun platforms and four magazines remain from this post-Civil War battery on the south end of the Fort.

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