Fort Mott was designed after the American Civil War as part of a three-fort coastal defense system for the Delaware River. The fortifications seen today were constructed in the late 1890s. They guarded the Delaware throughout the Spanish American War and World War I, without ever firing in battle.

At its height, Fort Mott had a garrison of 400 soldiers. To meet their needs, the post consisted of over 30 buildings, including housing, hospital, library, YMCA, and school for the children living on post.

https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/state-park/fort-mott/