Alloway Creek Watershed
Wetlands Restoration Site
This site consists of 2,840 acres of wetlands and 130 acres of upland
adjacent to Alloways Creek and the Delaware River restored by PSE&G
to provide more fish habitat. Restoration efforts here have focused
on reducing the invasive weed, Phragmites. Observation platforms,
a nature trail, and a bird viewing blind provide opportunities to see
migratory and resident birds, as well as other wildlife that inhabit
the area.
Directions: There are multiple access areas. From state route
49 in Salem, travel southwest for two miles on CR 658, which initially
is named York St, and changes into Salem-Hancocks Bridge Rd. Turn right
and follow Ft. Elfsborg Rd. to the end. For another access point, take
route 49 in Salem to Chestnut St. (CR 625) west. The road name changes
to Ft. Elfsborg-Salem Rd, and parking is at the end of the road.
There is also viewing adjacent to the Hancock House.
Hours: This unstaffed point of interest will be open from dawn
to dusk beginning in the spring of 2000.
Telephone: 1-888-MARSHES (888-627-7437).
Delsea Region
Welcome Center
Fort Mott State Park
Built for the federal government's post Civil
War coastal defense plan of defending Delaware River ports, Fort Mott
was part of a three-fort coastal defense system which also included
Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island and Fort DuPont in Delaware City,
Delaware. Its big 10 and 12 inch guns were mounted on disappearing carriages
with an effective range of eight to ten miles, sufficient to match or
out-range the guns of contemporary naval vessels.
Welcome Center exhibits on the maritime history theme and Trail information
are available.
On weekends only, beginning with the
last weekend in April through mid-June, Wednesday through Sunday from
mid-June through Labor Day, and again on weekends only from Labor Day
through the last weekend in September, visitors can travel back in time
on the Delaware River and Bay Authority's three
forts ferry crossing. This ferry service connects
Delaware City, Delaware, Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island, and Fort
Mott.
Directions: Heading east on state road 49, take county
road 630 (Fort Mott Road); heading west on SR49, take CR632 (Lighthouse
Road), and follow the Fort Mott State Park signs.
Hours: The grounds of the fort are open daily from
8:00am to 7:30pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day and 8:00am to 4:00pm, the
remainder of the year.
Telephone: (856) 935-3218.
Finn's Point National
Cemetery
The cemetery is the resting place
for the remains of 2,436 Confederate soldiers whose military careers
ended as prisoners of war under the custody of the Federal Union. These
men were interned near here at Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island. Many
had been captured during the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. One
hundred thirty-five Union soldiers who died while serving as guards
at the prison camp, are also buried here. Interpretive exhibits provide
information about the cemetery's history.
Directions: Follow directions to Fort Mott State Park.
At the entrance to the state park, turn right and follow the signs for
the Finn's
Point National Cemetery.
Hours: Open daily, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Telephone: (609) 877-5460 or 935-3628.
Finns Point
Rear Range Light
The Finns Point Front and Rear Range lights served as a point of entry
and exit between the Delaware Bay and River for maritime traffic moving
up and down the river. In 1950, after the Army Corps of Engineers dredged
the river channel to 800 feet wide and 40 feet deep, the Finns Point
range lights became obsolete.
The light was restored in 1983 through the efforts of the "Save
the Lighthouse Committee," a local citizen's group, and by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Interpretive exhibits demonstrate how range lights were
used by mariners navigating the river channel.
Directions: Follow directions to Fort Mott State Park.
It is located at the intersection of county roads 630 & 632.
Hours: Interpretive exhibits are accessible during daylight hours.
The lighthouse is open for visitors to climb into the light tower from
noon to 4:00pm on the third Sunday of each month from April through
October. Group requests accepted.
Telephone: (856) 935-1487.
Hancock House
State Historic Site
Built in 1734 by Judge
William Hancock, the house is remembered as the site where a massacre
took place during the American Revolution on the morning of March 21,
1778. A British force of nearly 300 men surprised and bayoneted a small
band of 30 colonial militiamen who were stationed there.
The house is a fine example of "pattern brick architecture"
with the initials of William and Sarah Hancock, the year of construction,
and a herringbone pattern displayed on the west wall of the house.
Directions: From state road 49 in Salem, follow county
road 658 south to Hancocks Bridge.
Hours: The house interior is not open. The grounds
and interpretive exhibits are accessible during daylight hours.
Telephone: (856) 935-3218 (Ft. Mott).
Stow Creek Viewing
Area
This New
Jersey Fish, Game and Wildlife site features a bald eagle nest and
provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the state's eagle
restoration efforts. An access road, parking area, elevated boardwalk,
and viewing platform provide natural history interpretive exhibits on
bald eagles, salt marsh ecology, and the state eagle recovery program.
Other common salt marsh wildlife species can be found here as well.
Directions: From state road 49 in Salem, turn south
on county road 658 (Hancock's Bridge Rd.). At Hancock's Bridge, CR658
makes a left at the traffic light. Turn south (right) at the next light
onto CR623 (New Bridge Rd.) toward Canton, travel about 8 miles to the
parking area on the south (right) side of the road, just before the
bridge over Stow Creek.
Hours: The site is accessible during daylight hours.
Telephone: NJ Division of FG&W (609) 628-2103.
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Last updated:
March 20, 2001
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