After the British capture of Philadelphia on September 26, 1777, Americans blockaded the Delaware River to prevent British ships from getting through with food and supplies. Two forts were built on opposite banks: Fort Mercer on the New Jersey side at Red Bank (now National Park) and Fort Mifflin on Mud Island, on the Pennsylvania side. This park is the historic site of Fort Mercer, a large earthen fortification with 14 cannon overlooking the Delaware. On October 21, 1777, Colonel Carl von Donop's Hessian regiment assaulted the fort and was repulsed with devastating casualties, including the mortal wounding of Col. von Donop. Following the battle, the James and Ann Whitall House served as a field hospital. Fort Mercer was later destroyed in the face of overwhelming British forces. The site is now a park encompassing the Whitall House, with interpretive signage on the battle.



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