Historic Blakeley State Park: Where History Meets Nature

Historic Blakeley State Park, nestled on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta near Spanish Fort, Alabama, offers a captivating journey through time and nature. Encompassing over 2,100 acres, the park is the largest National Register Historic Site in the eastern United States. Here, you can explore the remnants of Alabama's largest Civil War battle, wander through the ghost town of Blakeley, and immerse yourself in the delta's rich biodiversity. The park's history dates back to 1814 with the founding of the town of Blakeley, which briefly rivaled Mobile as a commercial hub. However, recurring yellow fever epidemics and economic factors led to its decline. By the Civil War, only a few families remained. Fort Blakeley was constructed, and in April 1865, it was the site of one of the last major battles of the Civil War. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved Confederate and Union fortifications. Beyond its historical significance, the park boasts diverse natural habitats. Over 25 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails wind through the property. Boat tours on the Delta Explorer offer a chance to spot alligators, turtles, black bears, and bald eagles in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The park also features camping facilities, cabins, and an event center for weddings and other special events. Points of interest within the park include the Blakeley Cemetery, with graves dating back to the early 1800s, and the "ghost structures" in Washington Square, representing typical homes and businesses of the 1820s. Don't miss the E.O. Wilson Boardwalk, offering scenic views of the Tensaw River, and the legendary Hiding Tree, said to have sheltered Confederate soldiers.