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On September 18, 2003, Hurricane Isabel hit the coast of North Carolina. Although this was a relatively weak hurricane by categorized standards, it covered many thousands of square miles. Even though Isabel had downgraded to a tropical storm, its path took the edges of the storm over the greater Philadelphia area. Fort Mifflin lies in the flood plane of the Delaware River, protected only by a dilapidated seawall. As the storm surge hit, the seawall and gates protecting the fort gave way, filling the ground with millions of gallons of water. The iron sluice gate (a one-way flapper door that lets water flow out but closes to keep water from returning) was shattered during the storm. River water was now free to flow in and out with the tide of the river. Fort Mifflin is now in great need of YOUR support. The sluice gate has been repaired and the flood waters pumped out, but water damage to the grounds and buildings (especially the floors of the 200 year old Officer's Barracks) is extensive. The fort is in need of funds to do repair work that can not be done by volunteer work but, to a greater extent, the fort greatly needs volunteers to donate their time to clean up the fort. Due to the superb efforts of the caretaker, Wayne, most of the doors, fixtures and many of the fort's irreplaceable treasures on the lower floors were safely moved upstairs prior to the storm arriving. Please contact the fort and show them your support, either by pledging your time, or your funds. Fort Mifflin on the Delaware Fort Mifflin Road Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 685-4167 or Olde Fort Mifflin Historical Society edkane@comcast.net (Ed) (215) 382-1719 (Jim & Isabel) Visit the fort's websites at
to see our dedicated Fort Mifflin Site
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