The last historical site that I visited on my recent western Pennsylvania road trip was Fort Mifflin. The fort was build during the American Revolutionary War period. It was burned down during that war and then used for various purposes over the next 100+ years. Each period resulted in various modifications to the fort, including the outer walls.
The fort is in a bit of bad shape these days. It could use a bit of money to fix it up, but that said, it is still a nice visit. It is open to the public and still has its outer bastions intact, along with various interior buildings.
You can walk the entire circumference of the fort walls and all the spaces in-between. This includes being able to go into the torpedo holds and all the magazines (just bring your phone flash light!)
I spent a few hours walking around and checking out everything. The sheer number of gun mounts at the fort (no guns unfortunately) for such a small structure really surprised me. The choice of the fort position is quite clear when you stand in the main battery positions and can view the coverage and combination over any river traffic.
Another nice spot that you should think about visiting if you are in the South Philly area and have a couple of hours!
- Manteuffel