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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 Mifflinīs 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 Montresorīs 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 soldiersī 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.
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