Fort Mifflin

For America’s 250th, get ready to party like it’s 1776!!! Join us at the Fort July 3rd, 4th and 5th for Fourth at the Fort Weekend, from 10 to 4. Celebrate American Independence at a battlefield where young soldiers held out against the mighty British navy "until the last extremity." Join us for fun and interactive activities like kids’ muskets drills, Revolutionary War Soldiers Life display, cannon and musket demonstrations, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and more. We will have our award-winning history tour at 11 and 2 every day. Find out why we are called “The Fort that saved America”. Avoid the crowds in Philly and bring a picnic lunch, sit in the shade and enjoy.

Save $3 and get your advance tickets here: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/fortmifflinonthedelaware/fourth-at-the-fort-669357977

SHARING THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA

On July 8th at 6pm Fort Mifflin will be taking part in a simultaneous reading for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence . The readings will be taking place in all 50 states, 5 territories, the District of Columbia and minor outlying islands of the United States.

Even though the United States is spread across thousands of miles and ten different time zones, all of us in America may read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’, at the ‘same’ time. Unlike the extent of the Colonies in 1776, today, America spans about 9,500-miles from one extreme to the other (the Caribbean across North America to the western edge of the Pacific).

Fort Mifflin on the Delaware River below Philadelphia held for forty-five days of British naval bombardment in the fall of 1777.

The Continental garrison, ordinary soldiers and Pennsylvania militia, was protecting Washington's supply line on the river. An estimated 10,000 British rounds struck the fort over six weeks of sustained fire. The men repaired the earthworks each night and held position each day. When the fort finally fell on November 16, it had bought Washington the time he needed to move his army to winter quarters. Historians have described Fort Mifflin as the most heavily bombarded American site of the entire Revolutionary War.

The fort still stands on Hog Island Road in Philadelphia. It is open to visitors.

Save this for the next time someone says Philadelphia's Revolutionary War story is just Independence Hall.

What the heck is a Chevaux-de-frise??

Chevaux-de-frise comes from the French phrase meaning “Friseland horses,” a land obstruction used in Holland and Germany. American colonists borrowed the concept, altering it to obstruct and disable enemy ships sailing up the Delaware River.

Constructed of large timbers lined with pine planks, a cheveaux-de-frise spanned close to thirty square feet. Upon completion, the frames were lowered into the river and filled with twenty to forty tons of stone anchoring them in place. Two or three large timbers tipped with iron spikes were placed in each frame at angles. The tips were eight to fifteen feet below the water’s surface so that an unsuspecting wooden hulled ship could become impaled on the iron points and sink.

The chevaux-de-frise were strategically placed in the river, chained together and became an integral part of the Delaware River defense system during the early years of the Revolutionary War. Although it is not clear who was directly responsible for the idea, the design and implementation of these river obstructions was an American innovation and proved successful.

Stop by the fort and view the ones in our exhibit room - original tips and reproductions and also we have one along our waterfront.

The Romans invade Fort Mifflin next weekend, June 27 & 28!!! How did they fight? What did they do for entertainment? Come on out and discover for yourself.

For Advanced tickets: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/fortmifflinonthedelaware/ancient-military-event-1682067463

This is cool!!

📌 Fort Mifflin — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
📍39°52'30.39"N, 75°12'47.25"W

Fort Mifflin occupies a strategic position on the Delaware River and is one of the few Revolutionary War battlefields in the United States that remains largely intact. Originally constructed in the 1770s to defend the approaches to Philadelphia, the fort played a critical role during the 1777 British campaign to capture the city.

In the autumn of 1777, a small American garrison held Fort Mifflin against weeks of relentless bombardment from British warships and land batteries. The defenders suffered heavy casualties, but their resistance delayed British efforts to open the Delaware River and supplied valuable time for the Continental Army. The siege remains one of the most intense artillery engagements of the Revolutionary War.

LiDAR imagery highlights the fort's distinctive star-shaped design, including its bastions, ramparts, ditches, and waterfront defenses. While modified over time and used through later conflicts, Fort Mifflin still preserves much of the military landscape that witnessed one of the Revolution's most determined defenses.

Our historical marker has been returned, completely refurbished and looking like new!!! Thank you to the PA Historical Marker Preservation Office who oversees and takes care of the historical markers in the state. HUZZAH!!!

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT FORT MIFFLIN!

The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society Outreach Program presents:

TABLETOP GAMING DAY AT FORT MIFFLIN
Saturday, June 20, 2026
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Historic Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19153

History doesn't live in textbooks. It lives on the tabletop.

Join us for an incredible day at one of Philadelphia's most iconic landmarks, where you'll learn to play tabletop games that bring history to life — while building strategic thinking and critical thinking skills. Fun for the ENTIRE family!

GAMES BEING PLAYED:
D-Day — 6th of June
The Battle of the Somme 1916 — 110th Anniversary
Knights of the Air 1916
The Battle of Alexander's Old Field 1780
Foraging War in NJ 1777
The Battle of Kursk 1943

No experience needed — our members will teach you everything!

Gaming admission is just $5 - you can pay at the door

FORT GENERAL ADMISSION:
Adults – $16 | Seniors – $14 | Veterans – $12
Children (6–12) – $10 | Children 5 & under – FREE

Combo ticket is just $3 more to the general admission price.

REGISTER NOW: www.hmgs.org/fortmifflin2026

Whether you're a history buff, a board gamer, or just looking for an amazing family activity — this is the event for you. Come learn, play, and discover history the way it was meant to be experienced. See you at the Fort!

Have you ever seen the sunset at Fort Mifflin? We have some of the most beautiful sunsets and on this Friday, June 19th we will share them with you as the fort will stay open late until 9pm so you can enjoy. Yes, the fort after hours is back. Explore the fort after you get done work, Bring your dinner and sit in our picnic area and enjoy. Watch the boats go by or the planes land. Stop by to relax and explore as you start your weekend.

Wondering where to take your summer camp group this year? Where to go is a good question? Do they like going to places that are unique and interesting? How about someplace different ? Fort Mifflin is that place. A Group History tour comes with your visit, and Revolutionary or Civil War soldiers’ life programs are also available. How about a cannon demo complete with firing!! Go to our website for more info: https://www.fortmifflin.us/our-programs/educational-programs/