Date: Tuesday April 28th 1998.
Time: Started at 7:00 p.m. and ended at 9:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Fort Mifflin on the Delaware River. North of the Philadelphia Airport. Fort Mifflin Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19153.
Equipment: Canon 35mm auto focus/auto flash strapless camera; Kodak 400 speed Gold film; E.L.F.-Zone EMF detector; Mini-recorder, Stereo recorder, Raynger ST-2 thermal scanner.
Weather: Very nice day for our investigation. It was a clear evening with occasional light breezes. The temperature was about 65* when we began, and was in the mid-high 50's when we ended. There was no fog or rain to report.
History: In 1777 Philadelphia belonged to the British and General Howe. The areas surrounding the city as well as the Delaware River, was controlled by George Washington and the Continental Army.
After the Battle of Germantown (October 4 1777), the Continental Army fell back to guard the supply cities of Pa., especially Reading, while much of the victorious British Army remained in Germantown. The rest of the British stayed in Philadelphia. On October 19th Howe became fearful of another attack and pulled in all his troops from Germantown. By this time, Philadelphia became extremely over populated. Housing nearly 18,000 people including the British Army, their families and many others. Howe realized that he needed a way to bring in food and supplies to keep these thousands of people. He knew that the most logical way to do this would be to take over three American held forts in and along the Delaware River, therefore allowing ships bringing supplies to pass safely.
Americans main focal point of defense, Fort Mifflin, then came under attack and was bombarded intensely. Finally, after three weeks of fighting, the British conquered the fort. It is said that the only reason they won, was because they surprised the Americans defense.
Please Note that this is not the entire story, as there is much more! Please click here.
Haunting Activity: There have been many reports of haunting activity over the years at Fort Mifflin. Visitors have gone as far as thanking the director for the wonderful "tour guide" who led them through the fort and it's history. The strange thing about this was that there were no tour guides, reenactors or employees working that day as guides. All other employees were accounted for elsewhere. It is reported that these mysterious tour guides provided in-depth explanations and history about the fort. It was also mentioned that they were wearing the proper clothing to go with the period.
Another unexplained event was that of a screaming woman. She was seen atop the massive walls which surround this citadel. The walls are very high as to keep people out. The fort itself was secured at the time of her appearance. She was walking atop the walls, screaming. When people got closer to see who it was, she could be heard inside the secure fort. Upon opening the fort to find this visitor, she could not be found.
Several employees have mentioned the appearance of a man carrying lumber. He is not an employee of the facility and cannot be accounted for. He has made a few random visits, always seen with lumber slumped over his shoulder.
There are many more interesting stories associated with Fort Mifflin, most of which will be in Charlie Adams book, "Philadelphia Ghost Stories" due out May 15th, 1998.
Those Present: Lew & Sharon G., Kenny & Donna B., Danny & Nancy B., Rachel G., Pete L., Dan L., Andy K., Tom H., Dave R., Sharon H., Joani S., Dan O., and Stephanie B.
Report: Initially, we began the investigation in what was referred to as the dungeon. It was a dark place without much lighting. We thought it best to visit this area while there was still a little daylight left. As we entered, many members were getting strange feelings and impressions. I must admit, I myself found that I was attracted to some rooms and almost repelled by others. Sharon and I decided that this would be a good place to leave one of our recorders. Many photos were taken by all members, perhaps the feelings they were getting compelled them to do so. I was unable to detect any EMF's or temperature anomalies.
Next, the investigation moved to a 2-story building referred to as the Officer's Quarters. Before entering the building, several of our more sensitive members were getting some impressions. Most of which were concentrated on the first floor. It should also be mentioned that those with digital and video cameras were experiencing focusing problems. Photos were taken in all rooms. I detected no EMF's or thermal differences in this building.
While most members were in the Officer's Quarters, I decided it would be a good time to check out the large courtyard outside. After a thorough scan of the courtyard, which yielded nothing, my attention was drawn to another building, the Powder Magazine. This structure had only one entrance. The minute I looked into the entranceway, I watched a figure partially step out from behind a wall as if to look out. The figure then went back inside as quickly as it came. Immediately, I went into the structure to see if what I saw was another investigator. Along the way, I had Tom H. follow me in with his digital camera. When we got inside, there was no one in there but us. Tom immediately reported that his digital camera was not focusing correctly in the corridor where I saw the figure come from. No EMF's or thermal anomalies were detected but, Tom's camera still would not focus. During our time inside, I was visibly shaken and felt the need to leave. Fighting this feeling as long as I could, we took photos and left our second recorder inside the Magazine.
Moving on, we then went into what appeared to be a sleeping quarters, built into the huge fort wall. There was an arched entrance with a room on each side. Some members had reported video camera problems in this area. Photos were taken. No thermal or EMF readings were recorded. Another member reported seeing a rope or chain swinging without explanation. There was no draft to cause this. After he stopped it from swinging, he returned a moment later to find it in motion again.
Our next stop was an open-faced building resembling a stable. A member did see some movement on the second floor of this structure. He went upstairs only to find no one. The small possibility does exist that what he was saw was birds in the rafters of the building. He did say though that he thought it was a person. Thinking it was possibly his wife, he went upstairs. No thermal readings in this area.
The next structure was the Torpedo Casemate. A somewhat smaller version of the Powder Magazine, with a well in the center. I had no strange readings or impressions about this building. Others present experienced focusing problems with their video cameras along with chills.
A short while later, it was time to gather our equipment and leave.
Impression: Fort Mifflin is a beautiful place to visit. The landscape and view of the river leaves one breathless. Along with all the ghostly activity that has been reported over the years, it offers an extraordinary history pertaining to Philadelphia. The strange events associated with Fort Mifflin are convincing enough that this place is indeed haunted. Our investigation only reinforced that fact. I hope to soon return there as both visitor and investigator. As a visitor, I would highly recommend that you pay them a visit sometime soon. As an investigator, I would eventually like to have a follow-up investigation.
Special Thanks: I would like to take a moment, as President of the Philadelphia Ghost Hunters Alliance, to thank Dori McMunn, Director of Fort Mifflin. None of this would have been possible without you. On behalf of the PGHA, thank you. We hope to see you in the future.
Lewis Gerew
President & Co-Founder
PGHA
05/04/98