Fort Mott was part of a coastal defense system designed for the Delaware River in the late 1800s. The fortifications seen today at Fort Mott were erected in 1896 in anticipation of the Spanish-American War. Today, visitors can wander through the old batteries following interpretive signs with detailed descriptions of the fort. Just beyond the fortifications is the Delaware River. The shoreline offers good spots for walking and picnicking. The NJ Coastal Heritage Trail Welcome Center accommodates displays defining Fort Mott’s place in history and the environment.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Park Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset; Gate open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for vehicle traffic
Winter Office Hours: Monday – Friday through March 31
Note: The park will continue to offer programs on the weekends. Call ahead to confirm dates and times.

Fort Mott was part of a three-fort defense system designed for the Delaware River during the post Civil War modernization period. The other two forts in the system were Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island and Fort DuPont in Delaware City, Delaware. Original plans for Fort Mott specified eleven gun emplacements with twenty guns and a mortar battery with six emplacements. Construction was started in 1872; however, only two of the gun emplacements and two magazines in the mortar battery were completed by 1876 when all work stopped.

Fort Mott, along with Fort Delaware and Fort DuPont, became obsolete as the principal defensive installation on the Delaware River with the construction of Fort Saulsbury, near Milford, Delaware, shortly after World War I.

Troops were regularly stationed at Fort Mott from 1897 to 1922. The federal government maintained a caretaking detachment at the fort from 1922 to 1943. New Jersey acquired the military reservation as a historic site and State park in 1947. The park was opened to the public on June 24, 1951

Coast Defenses Living History Weekend - July 18 & 19
This year’s event (11 am to 4:30 pm) will focus on the role that Coast Defenses played in combat situations during World War II, using the Harbor Defenses of Manila Bay, Philippines as a case study. At dusk on Saturday, enjoy fireworks celebrating Delaware City Day followed by the Fort’s WWII Sperry 60-inch Anti-Aircraft Searchlight illuminating the sky around Fort Mott State Park. Find out more...

Photos from OPERATION SEARCH LIGHT

The Ferry to Fort Delaware schedule. (pdf 14kb)

Fort Mott State Park provides educational and fun events that are family oriented. All events sponsored by Fort Mott State Park are free to the public. For more information on the programs currently available at the park call (856) 935-3218.

Built in 1734, the Hancock House is an important tangible link to understanding the History of Salem County and our Nation’s struggle for independence. It was the home of a prominent “Salem County family and is an excellent example of English Quaker patterned end wall brick houses associated with the lower Delaware Valley and southwestern New Jersey. It was also the scene of a British- led massacre during the Revolutionary War.

An easy Nature Interpretive Trail can be found within the Park that is excellent for beginners. The trail is accessible for persons with disabilities.

Fort Mott offers picnic areas, picnic tables and shelters. For larger groups, we also offer the Group Picnic Area. It holds a capacity of 100 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee:

• Delaware River and Bay Authority - Three Forts Ferry Service
• Fort Delaware Society
• Coast Defense Study Group, Inc.
• National Park Service - New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
• Army Ground Forces Association
• Hancock House

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