Fort DuPont was a relatively major military installation from its inception until the end of the Second World War, but today it's occupied by the Governor Bacon Health Center, which took up residence in 1948. This made for a wee bit of confusion when I was trying to get to Fort DuPont, as I saw a number of signs directing me to GOVERNOR BACON, and I had no idea what the hell that was.

Undaunted and aided ever so slightly by by pre-smartphone's navigational prowess, I did eventually find my way onto the fort grounds, which are a mass of delapidated-looking buildings and housing...some of which seem occupied to one degree or another, but overall the fort looks exactly like what it is: A formerly important military post that was abandoned almost overnight, nearly seventy years ago.

I drove through the ramshackle base to the end of the road, where there was a small parking area (and a Port-a-Potty, which was much more important at the moment). There were signs about a nature trail and picnic area, and it was very pretty there by the river, even if there was nothing remotely Endicotty in evidence. I utilized the "self-pay" option (out-of-state registration parking: $6) and set off on the nature trail.

The nature trail was nice, but it seemed to taunt me with a great many signs pointing out that Fort DuPont is a former military site, that I should stay on the trail at all costs, and that taking anything from the grounds is strictly verboten. As I began to see more of these signs than trees, I began to wonder, what were they trying to prevent me from seeing?