How can a fortress built to defend become notorious for holding lost and lingering souls? Fort Delaware stands sentinel on Pea Patch Island in Delaware City, DE, its imposing stone walls steeped in Civil War history and spectral legends. Built in 1859 to guard the Delaware River, the fort became an infamous prison during the war. Today, this preserved state park invites visitors to explore its shadowy barracks through historical tours and spine-chilling ghost hunts. Whether you’re intrigued by wartime secrets or ghostly mysteries, Fort Delaware welcomes you into its haunted past.
Ghost Stories of the Haunted Fort Delaware
Fort Delaware carries a reputation for eerie encounters, with visitors and investigators sharing unsettling experiences that defy explanation. Here are some of the most chilling claims:
- The Lady in White: A ghostly woman, possibly a prisoner’s wife, wanders the officers’ quarters. Guests see her white dress or hear her sobs.
- The Confederate Soldier: A spectral soldier in gray roams the prison area. Visitors report hearing his commands or seeing his form.
- The Drummer’s Echo: A ghostly drumbeat resonates in the courtyard, tied to a young drummer’s death. Some hear it faintly.
- General Spookiness: Cold spots, unexplained whispers, and slamming doors echo through the fort, linked to its history of captivity.
This place has caught the eye of paranormal shows too. For example, in 2010, Ghost Hunters visited and captured EVPs of a woman’s voice in the kitchen, possibly the Officer’s Wife. The team also recorded unexplained footsteps in the officers’ quarters. In 2023, the YouTube channel Exploring with Josh explored the fort, capturing orbs of light in the dungeons and sharing eerie EMF spikes near the parade ground. In 2016, the Canadian show Paranormal Survivor featured a segment on the fort, where a visitor recounted seeing a shadowy figure in the dungeons. Clearly, the haunted Fort Delaware’s history of tragedy keeps its paranormal reputation alive.
A Historic Legacy in Delaware City
Fort Delaware’s story began in 1859 when it was constructed on Pea Patch Island to guard the Delaware River. During the Civil War, it held Confederate prisoners, with over 2,500 deaths due to disease and harsh conditions. Decommissioned in 1945, it became a state park under Delaware’s Division of Parks and Recreation. Today, it offers tours that highlight its haunting history.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Ready to explore the haunted Fort Delaware? Here’s how to delve into its shadowy past:
Plan Your Visit: Open May through September 2025, with daytime tours ($10-$18) and ghost hunts ($25-$45) on select nights. Visit destateparks.com or call (302) 834-7941 to book.
Details about hours, access, and events are accurate at the time of writing. Please check the location’s official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
Spooky Spots to Discover:
- Officers’ Quarters: Spot the lady in white or hear her sobs here.
- Prison Area: See the Confederate soldier or hear his commands.
- Courtyard: Listen for the drummer’s echo in this space.
- Barracks: Encounter cold spots and whispers tied to its past.
Dare to Explore Haunted Fort Delaware?
Fort Delaware is more than a historic fortress—it’s a ghostly prison where soldiers and women might still linger. From sobs to drumbeats, its tales captivate paranormal seekers. Ready to step onto its grounds? Book a tour—something unseen might greet you!
