Pea Patch Island is also the site of a 90-acre heron-nesting grounds for nine different
species of birds. It is believed to be the largest heronry in the northeastern United States.
More than 7.000 pairs of wading birds.including herons. egrets and ibis have been observed
nesting in the immature wooded fringe pot the fill area on the highest elevation of the island.
Two heronry overlooks have been designated and a nature trail established on the island with
informative signs.
1. BATTERY PARK, located along the Delaware River at the foot of
Clinton Street, provides a picturesque and enjoyable river front setting for a variety of
recreational activities. At the river's edge. the visitor is surrounded by a scenic panorama
of the river. Pea Patch Island. and the New Jersey shoreline beyond, an ideal scene for
photographers. The park itself includes beaches and both shaded and unshaded areas for
picnicking. relaxing. or frolicking in the summer sunshine.
The historic Diving Bell (see Historic Sites and Buildings) has been restored and placed in
Battery Park. Also in Battery Park is the restored stonewalled lock. from the original
route of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, dating back to 1829. It is one of the few
locks remaining intact in the United States. Battery Park itself traces its heritage
back to 1814 when the Navy Department allowed the erection of a battery and suitable
fortifications on what was then known as Newbold's Point.
2. FORT DELAWARE STATE PARK
,located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River across from Delaware City,
is one of Delaware's most cherished historic sites. It was used as a Confederate
prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War. housing as many as 12,000 prisoners.
It was later converted into a State Park including a Civil War museum. The fort and
museum are open to the general public on Saturdays and holidays from the last weekend
in April through the last weekend in September. Boat service to Pea Pitch Island is
provided at regular intervals from 11 AM. to 6 PM. There is a fare charged for the boat.
but there is no admission charge at the Fort. Included at the museum is a 30-minute
film on the history of Fort Delaware. Picnic tables and charcoal burners are available
for those who wish to make an all-day outing and soft drinks. candy and souvenirs
are sold at the Museum. Group reservations call be made for boat service on
Wednesdays. For further information, call (302) 834-7941 between 8 AM.
and 4 PM.
4. DELAWARE CITY MARINA, Call (302) 834-4172.
7. GROUP TOURS OF TEXACO REFINERY. The Texaco refinery located near
Delaware City, is one of the major industrial facilities in this area. The refinery occupies a
site consisting of more than 900 acres and has a rated crude oil capacity of 140,000 barrels
per day. A tour of the refinery complex, which can be arranged for groups, provides
fascinating insights into an industrial process which is so important to our lives.
To make an appointment for a tour of the refinery call Texaco at (302) 834-6000.
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