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Historic Blakeley State Park: Where History and Nature Converge

Discover Alabama's largest Civil War battlefield, explore a ghost town, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.

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Explore Alabama's rich history and natural beauty at Historic Blakeley State Park, a sprawling 2,100-acre sanctuary near Spanish Fort. Discover Civil War battlefields, the ghost town of Blakeley, and the biodiverse Mobile-Tensaw Delta, often called 'America's Amazon'. The park offers a unique blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty, with over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding [5, 13].

A brief summary to Historic Blakeley State Park

Local tips

  • Check the park's website or social media pages for information on upcoming events, such as Civil War reenactments and living history demonstrations [6, 17].
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the park is a stop on the Alabama Gulf Coastal Birding Trail [5, 8].
  • Consider taking a guided boat tour on the Delta Explorer for a unique perspective on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta's diverse ecosystems [2, 6].
  • If you plan to camp, make reservations in advance, especially during peak season [2].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the trails and battlefield [5].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Spanish Fort, head north on AL-225 for approximately 4.5 miles [2, 6]. The park entrance will be on your left [3, 6]. Parking is available within the park [3, 8]. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6 [2, 5].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From a central location in Spanish Fort, a taxi or ride-share to Historic Blakeley State Park will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic and demand [6]. The ride is about 4.5 miles and takes around 10-15 minutes [6]. Confirm the fare with the driver or app before starting your trip [6]. Note that you will still need to pay the park's admission fee upon arrival [6]. There are no public transportation options directly to the park entrance [3, 12].

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Discover more about Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park, located near Spanish Fort, Alabama, encompasses over 2,100 acres and is the largest National Register Historic Site in the eastern United States [7, 13]. The park is dedicated to preserving its natural setting as a unique wildlife preserve and focuses on the story of the town of Blakeley and the Battle of Fort Blakeley [7]. The park's historical significance is deeply rooted in two key aspects: the Battle of Fort Blakeley and the town of Blakeley [6]. The Battle of Fort Blakeley, fought on April 9, 1865, was one of the last major engagements of the Civil War and the largest battle fought in Alabama [2, 6]. Several miles of well-preserved Confederate and Union fortifications used during the battle are on display [5]. Visitors can walk the original streets of the ghost town of Blakeley, which was chartered in 1814 and reached its peak in the 1820s [3, 7]. It was once a bustling port town and a commercial rival to Mobile, but it declined due to economic factors and recurring yellow fever epidemics [2, 7]. By the time of the Civil War, its population had dwindled, and after the war, the county seat was moved to Daphne [2]. Today, only a few ruins and historical markers remain [2]. Beyond its historical significance, Historic Blakeley State Park is a haven for nature lovers [8]. Situated on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, often referred to as 'America's Amazon' for its abundant wildlife, the park offers visitors a chance to explore a unique blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks [6]. The park is also a stop on the Alabama Gulf Coastal Birding Trail [5]. Exciting wildlife that can be spotted include alligators, black bears, turtles, and bald eagles [2]. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding on over 20 miles of trails [3, 5]. Guided boat tours on the Delta Explorer provide a unique perspective on the delta's diverse ecosystems [2, 6]. Camping is available year-round, with options for primitive tent camping, improved tent camping with water and electric hookups, and RV camping with full hookups [6, 8].

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