Fort Mott State Park
Finn's Point Lighthouse
454 Fort Mott Road
Pennsville, NJ 08070
(856) 935-3218 •• 935-1487 Finn's Pt. Lighthouse
www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/fortmott.html

This beautiful 106-acre park was originally built at Finn's Point as part of the federal government's plan for defending the Delaware River. It was part of an elaborate system of hundreds of fortifications designed to protect American harbors against foreign attack. Based on a plan devised in 1794, most of these forts were built in the 19th century and later modified to keep up with technological advances.

Fortifications as they exist here today were built in 1896 in anticipation of the Spanish-American War. Visitors can take a Self-Guided Tour, aided by an interpretive map, and explore the remnants of a once-important military installation.

Though the fort was disarmed long ago and the guns are gone, the various emplacements and magazines lining the 750-long parapet are impressive to see. Aided by the map, visitors can easily piece together what this fort was like in its day.

The parapet is composed of poured concrete, its wall thirty-five feet thick. Combined with an additional thirty feet of sand and earth, the walls concealed and protected guns and crew from seaward attack. In all there are eleven stops on the tour, each highlighting some unique feature of the fort.

The Visitor Center features exhibits on New Jersey's Coastal Heritage Trail and the History of Fort Mott.

Groups, including School Groups, can enjoy an educational Guided Tour. Call to discuss your group's needs with park staff.

Finns Point Lighthouse

At Finn's Point, just outside Fort Mott Park, a beautiful lighthouse can be seen. This tower was constructed in Buffalo, NY, and hauled by freight train and then mule-drawn wagons to its current location where it was erected in 1876. It cost $1,200.00.

Something over 115 feet tall, the tower featured a 150,000 candlepower kerosene vapor light. The keepers would have to climb the 130 steps and then ascend a ladder twice daily -- to light and extinguish the flame.

The light burned steadily until 1933, when it was turned off. It went on again in 1934, but was automated. In 1950 the light was permanently extinguished.

This unusual tower has a metal exoskeleton for support. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Finn's Point Lighthouse has been restored and is open to visitation between April and October, but just once per month, from 12 - 4 on the third Sunday. Groups may be able to arrange a tour at other times. Call to confirm prior to visitng: (856) 935-1487 or (609) 463-0994 (Supawna NWR).