Fort Mifflin

Philadephia, PA

Originally called Fort Island Battery and also known as Mud Island Fort, was commissioned in 1771 and sits on Mud Island (or Deep Water Island) on the Delaware River below Philadelphia, PA near Philadelphia International Airport. During the American Revolutionary War, the British Army bombarded and captured the fort as part of their conquest of Philadelphia in autumn 1777. In 1795 the fort was renamed for Thomas Mifflin, a Continental Army officer and the first post-independence Governor of Pennsylvania. The United States Army began to rebuild the fort in 1794 and continued to garrison and build on the site through the 19th century. It housed prisoners during the American Civil War. The army decommissioned Fort Mifflin for active duty infantry and artillery in 1962. However, while the older portion of the fort was returned to the City of Philadelphia, a portion of the fort’s grounds are still actively used by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, making it the oldest fort in military use in the United States. Historic preservationists have restored the fort, which is now a National Historic Landmark.

May 27, 2010
Investigators: Beth Rosen, & Matt Rosen with guests Christian Daly & Allen Todd.

Location Photos: (click to enlarge)

  • Known as ‘The Fort That Saved America,’ Fort Mifflin was built for defense – as evidenced by the moat with reeds surrounding most of the perimeter.
  • Photo of Arsenal, shot (pun intended) from the main entrance.
  • Commandants House
  • Officers’ Quarters, alleged home of the screaming lady, Elizabeth Pratt. She watched her children die from yellow fever and it eventually claimed her as well.
  • Barracks and Officers’ Quarters with a new arrival to Philly Airport. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, you are now free to move about the cabins.’
  • The Powder magazine – it would make a cool fort, huh? (Oh wait, it’s already part of one! DUH!)
  • The paranormal soldiers setting up in the arsenal.
  • Underground Casement 11, home of the so-called ‘man with no face’ – William Howe. He was convicted of murder and desertion from the Union army, and was later sent to Eastern State Penitentiary and hanged for his crimes.
  • Here’s the new addition to the team. He can be a real puss but the good news is, he works for treats. (BA-DUM-BUMP! Try the veal.)
  • Casemate housing Confederate and Union Soldiers

Findings:

Casement 11: While investigating this underground casement, we stumbled on this chilling EVP. Even more chilling, this winter-appropriate EVP was caught there in late May!

Grave Concerns Paranormal does not view findings presented on this page as evidence of ghosts or the paranormal. These are merely experiences that we can not explain at this time.