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Colonial Fort Condé: Mobile's Gateway to the Past

Explore Mobile's colonial past at this reconstructed French fort, featuring interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

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Step back in time at Colonial Fort Condé, a partially reconstructed French fort in downtown Mobile. Explore interactive exhibits and artifacts that detail Mobile's colonial history, shaped by French, British, and Spanish influences.

A brief summary to Colonial Fort Condé

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Admission to Colonial Fort Condé is included with admission to the History Museum of Mobile, so plan to visit both for a comprehensive understanding of the city's history.
  • Check the History Museum of Mobile's website for special events, living history demonstrations, and seasonal activities at Colonial Fort Condé to enhance your visit.
  • Take a stroll through Mardi Gras Park, where you can view additional remnants of the original Fort Condé.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Mobile Convention Center or nearby downtown hotels, Colonial Fort Condé is easily accessible on foot. Head south on Royal Street; the fort will be on your left, just past Government Street. Look for the distinctive brick walls and cannons. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from most central locations.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System serves downtown Mobile. Several bus routes have stops near Colonial Fort Condé. Check the Wave Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. From the nearest bus stop on Government Street, walk south on Royal Street to reach the fort. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. Request a ride to Colonial Fort Condé at 150 S Royal Street. Expect to pay around $8-$12 for a short trip within downtown Mobile.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 150 S Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36602. Limited two-hour street parking is available in the area for $1 per hour. Paid parking lots are also located nearby. Parking rates typically range from $4 to $10 for 4-8 hours.

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Discover more about Colonial Fort Condé

Colonial Fort Condé, located in the heart of downtown Mobile, Alabama, offers visitors a fascinating journey into the city's colonial past. Originally built in 1723 by the French, the fort was strategically important for guarding Mobile and its bay, serving as a vital port to the Gulf of Mexico. Over the years, Fort Condé changed hands among various colonial powers, each leaving their mark on its identity. Initially named Fort Louis, it was later renamed Fort Condé in honor of Louis Henri de Bourbon. When the British gained control in 1763, it became Fort Charlotte, and under Spanish rule from 1780, it was known as Fuerta Carlota. In 1813, American troops occupied Mobile, and the fort reverted to the name Fort Charlotte. By the 1820s, the fort was no longer deemed necessary for defense, and most of it was dismantled. However, in the 1970s, renewed interest in Mobile's colonial history led to a partial reconstruction of the fort. Today, visitors can explore about one-third of the original compound, built at four-fifths scale. Inside the reconstructed fort, interactive exhibits and historical artifacts detail the lives of Native Americans and European colonists who shaped Mobile's early history. Visitors can walk through the fort's walls, view replicas of artillery storage, jail cells, soldiers' quarters and officers' quarters, and enjoy unmatched views of Mobile's skyline. Living history demonstrations and special events throughout the year further bring the past to life. Musketry demonstrations are held each Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the courtyard, weather and staff permitting. Colonial Fort Condé stands as a testament to Mobile's complex and vibrant past, offering a unique opportunity to experience the city's evolution through innovation, conquest, plunder, piracy, and war. It also serves as the city's official welcome center.

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