The ferry rocks gently beneath my feet as we glide across the Delaware River toward an imposing stone fortress. I’m just 45 minutes south of Philadelphia, in a riverside town of 1,918 residents that guards one of America’s most haunted Civil War sites. Delaware City feels frozen in time, with Victorian-era buildings lining Clinton Street as I make my way to the dock this June morning. The real draw lies just offshore on Pea Patch Island—Fort Delaware, a former prison that once held 10,048 Confederate prisoners and is accessible only 26 weeks each year.
Delaware City’s Gateway to America’s Most Haunted Civil War Prison
I watch as Delaware City shrinks behind us, this tiny community dwarfed by its outsized historical significance. Fort Delaware State Park operates ferries from April through October only, creating a limited window to experience what paranormal investigators rank among America’s most actively haunted military sites.
“Getting here feels like unlocking a secret level in a history video game,” whispers the park ranger as we approach the island. Unlike Maryland’s historic ferry town where boats run year-round, Delaware City’s Fort Delaware ferry operates only during summer months, making each crossing feel momentous.
The fortress looms larger as we approach, its granite walls rising from marshy grounds like a medieval castle transplanted to the American East. Built in 1859, it became a notorious prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War, earning the grim nickname “Andersonville of the North” for its harsh conditions.
10,048 Prisoners, Countless Ghosts: Fort Delaware’s Dark Legacy
Standing in the former barracks where thousands of Confederate soldiers were packed together in miserable conditions, the temperature drops noticeably. Our guide points out where 300 prisoners died in a single month during the summer of 1863 from disease and malnutrition.
While Alabama’s atmospheric historical site showcases political history, Fort Delaware reveals the darker side of America’s Civil War past—complete with prison cells where visitors report hearing disembodied voices and feeling unseen hands.
“I’ve visited battlefields across America, but nothing compares to the energy in this place. When you’re alone in those cells, you don’t feel alone at all. Something lingers here, watching, waiting to be acknowledged.”
The fortress’s interior remains remarkably intact, with original cannons, officers’ quarters, and prison cells preserved exactly as they were. Ghost tours run Thursday through Sunday evenings, when paranormal activity reportedly intensifies. Equipment including EMF detectors and thermal cameras are available to rent for $10 from the visitor center.
Summer 2025: The 26-Week Window to Experience the Hauntings
Similar to Iowa’s seasonally restricted underground boat tours, Fort Delaware’s limited 26-week accessibility creates a sense of urgency for summer 2025 visitors. The best time to visit is weekday mornings when the ferry carries fewer passengers and you might have entire sections of the fortress to yourself.
The $15 round-trip ferry departs from 45 Clinton Street hourly between 10am and 4pm. Last admission to the fort is at 4:30pm, with final departure at 6:30pm—though ghost tour participants can stay until 10pm on designated evenings.
Reserve ferry tickets online at least 24 hours in advance during summer months, as weekend sailings frequently sell out. The boat ride takes 15 minutes each way, adding to the feeling of isolation that makes the fortress experience so immersive.
Beyond the Fort: Delaware City’s Hidden Historical Treasures
Back on the mainland, Delaware City offers more than just access to the fort. Like West Virginia’s uncrowded historical destinations, Delaware City provides an intimate experience where history feels personal rather than commercialized.
East Coast explorers who enjoy Connecticut’s hidden natural attractions will also appreciate Delaware City’s combination of history and scenic Delaware River views. The Michael N. Castle Trail offers 14.3 miles of paved pathway along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, perfect for post-fort exploration.
Refuel at Crabby Dick’s on Clinton Street, where the crab cake sandwich ($17) features lump crab meat with minimal filler—the way Delawareans insist it should be. Just save room for homemade ice cream at the Delaware City Ice Cream Parlor two doors down.
As I drive away from Delaware City, the fortress silhouette fading in my rearview mirror, I can’t shake the feeling that some experiences mark you. Like a Civil War soldier’s letter home, this place tells a story that’s simultaneously personal and part of our collective American narrative—one that’s only accessible for those 26 precious weeks each year. The ghosts of Fort Delaware will be waiting when you arrive, having kept their vigil for more than 150 summers.