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Fort Morgan State Historic Site: Guardian of Mobile Bay

Explore a historic military fort on the Alabama Gulf Coast, offering a glimpse into the past and natural beauty at the entrance to Mobile Bay.

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Explore Fort Morgan, a well-preserved 19th-century masonry fort that guarded Mobile Bay and played a role in multiple wars, including the Civil War. Visitors can tour the fort, explore the museum, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

A brief summary to Fort Morgan State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain within the fort can be uneven.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as shade is limited.
  • Check the schedule for guided tours to enhance your understanding of the fort's history.
  • Consider visiting during the Battle of Mobile Bay reenactment in early August for a living history experience.
  • Birdwatchers should visit during the spring or fall migration to see a variety of bird species.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Gulf Shores, drive west on AL-180 for approximately 22 miles. The fort is located at the end of the road on Mobile Point. Parking is available near the museum. There is no fee for parking.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Mobile Bay Ferry from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan. Check the ferry schedule and pricing online. From the ferry landing, it is a short walk to the Fort Morgan State Historic Site.

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Discover more about Fort Morgan State Historic Site

Fort Morgan State Historic Site, located at the tip of the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a captivating journey into American military history. Constructed between 1819 and 1834, thisThird System coast defense fort has stood as a guardian of Mobile Bay since 1834. The site was active during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World Wars I and II. The fort is most famous for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, where Union Admiral David Farragut proclaimed, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!". Visitors can explore the massive fort, which contains more than 40 million bricks, a testament to the skilled masons, many of whom were enslaved African Americans. The 479-acre site features concrete artillery batteries constructed between 1895 and 1904 and historic military buildings dating from 1899 to 1910. A museum details the American military history of Mobile Point from 1814 to 1945, with exhibits featuring weapons, uniforms, letters, photographs, and personal items of soldiers who served at the fort. Self-guided tour brochures are available, and guided tours offer a deeper understanding of the fort's artifacts. Beyond its historical significance, Fort Morgan is also a haven for nature lovers. It's an important stopover for spring and fall neotropical migrating birds and has been designated a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, beaches, and a boat launch.

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