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Fort Gaines, Coastal Plain Travel Guide

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Explore Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island: a historic Civil War fort with stunning Gulf views, living history demos, and a glimpse into the past.

Explore Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, Alabama, a well-preserved 19th-century fort that played a crucial role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Discover original cannons, a blacksmith shop, and fascinating Civil War history while enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

A brief summary to Fort Gaines

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Gaines.

  • Check the schedule for cannon firing and blacksmith demonstrations for an engaging historical experience.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay from the fort's ramparts.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the fort's grounds, including the tunnels and museum.
  • Visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs and historical memorabilia.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium to learn about the local marine environment.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    From central Dauphin Island, head east on Bienville Boulevard. Fort Gaines is located at the very end of the island on the eastern tip. Parking is available near the fort, with a daily fee of $10.35 from April 1 to September 30 (8 AM to 7 PM) and $5.35 from October 1 to March 31 (8 AM to 5 PM). You can pay using the ParkMobile app, zone 95202.

  • Ride Share

    Request an Uber or Lyft from anywhere on Dauphin Island. Be aware that ride-share availability can be limited, so it's best to arrange your ride in advance. A ride from the western end of Dauphin Island to Fort Gaines will cost approximately $20-$30.

Discover more about Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines, located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, Alabama, has guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for over 150 years. Established in 1821 and named after General Edmund Pendleton Gaines, a hero of the War of 1812, the fort is best known for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.Visitors can explore the well-preserved ramparts, original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, a museum, and tunnels. Exhibits detail the fort's history, including its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay, where Admiral David Farragut famously declared, "Damn the torpedoes – full speed ahead!". The fort also showcases five pre-Civil War brick buildings within its interior courtyard. Living history demonstrations, including cannon firings and blacksmithing, bring the fort's past to life.Designated as one of America's most endangered historic sites due to ongoing shoreline erosion, Fort Gaines offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. The site is open daily, inviting tourists, school groups, and history enthusiasts to experience this significant landmark.

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