NJDEP-Parks and Forests

Fort Mott State Park

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COAST DEFENSES LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND 2009

Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and 19th.

Fort Mott State Park will host a living history event from 11:00 am until 4:30 pm with members of the Army Ground Forces Association and Park staff portraying soldiers of the Coast Artillery Corps. This year’s event 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. The forts that comprise the Harbor Defenses of Manila Bay contain gun batteries similar to those found at Fort Mott, and saw intense combat during the opening days of America’s entry into World War II. This event will provide insight into how these Coast Defenses were able to withstand bombardment and slow the advancement of the Imperial Japanese Army in early 1942.

Saturday and Sunday, living history interpreters stationed throughout the
Park will provide information and engage the public in hands-on activities. Battery
Arnold and other sites usually closed to the public will be open, weather permitting. Selected items from the Park’s historic collection, as well as private collections, will be on display, including a special display dedicated to the American and Filipino soldiers on Bataan (Saturday only).

In addition, members of the Salem Light Artillery will also have a large display of Civil War Era artillery. At 2pm on Saturday, July 18 a demonstration of this artillery will take place at the waterfront.

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. The searchlight puts out an 800 million candlepower beam that is visible for over 40 miles.

If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Fort Mott State Park at (856) 935-3218. As always, living history programs provided by Fort Mott State Park are free to the public.