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.

Effective November 8, 2008 through March 31, 2009, the administrative office at Fort Mott State Park will be open Monday - Friday. The park will remain open seven days a week for both passive and active recreation. Administrative office hours will resume seven-day scheduling on April 1. The park will continue to offer tours and programs on the weekends. Call ahead to confirm dates and times.

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.

Photos from OPERATION SEARCH LIGHT

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

The Ferry to Fort Delaware runs from Wednesday through Sunday until Labor Day.  The Ferry DOES NOT run on Monday nor Tuesday unless it is a National Holiday.

Fort Mott State Park provides educational and fun events that are family oriented. Click on Calender of Events to view a list of events at Fort Mott. (must have Acrobat reader to view file)
All events sponsored by Fort Mott State Park are free to the public.

Keep up to date of what is going on at Fort Mott State Park by downloading the latest edition of Eye on the Delaware.

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

back to top