Pea Patch Island / Fort Delaware
Civil War POW camp - 'The Andersonville of the North'
State: Delaware
County: New Castle County
Founded: 1859
Abandoned: 1944
Fort Delaware held up to 12,500 Confederate prisoners during the Civil War—called 'The Andersonville of the North' for its high death rate. The island community included soldiers, workers, and their families. After WWII, everyone left. Now a state park with living history programs.
Quick Facts
- Called 'Andersonville of the North' for prisoner death rate
- Held up to 12,500 Confederate POWs
- Island community included soldiers' families
- Living history programs bring the past alive
Location
Address: Pea Patch Island, Delaware River
Coordinates: 39.5803, -75.5731