Battery Thomas: A Glimpse into Coastal Defense History
Explore Battery Thomas at Fort Morgan, a historic coastal defense site offering insights into late 19th-century military strategies.
Battery Thomas, situated within the Fort Morgan State Historic Site in Gulf Shores, Alabama, stands as a testament to the evolution of coastal defense in the United States. Constructed in 1898, as the nation was moving towards war with Spain, this rapid-fire gun battery was strategically positioned to protect a minefield laid across the entrance of Mobile Bay, safeguarding it from potential minesweepers. Named in honor of Captain Evan Thomas, who was killed in action with the Modoc Indians in 1873, Battery Thomas was equipped with two 4.7-inch rapid-fire Armstrong guns capable of firing a 45-pound projectile six miles. These guns played a crucial role in preventing smaller enemy vessels from infiltrating the ship channel in front of the fort. Despite its significance, a 1915 study revealed the battery's vulnerability to enemy fire due to its location on high mounds. Consequently, the Army deactivated Battery Thomas in October 1917, removing its guns. In 1919, one of the gun emplacements was repurposed into a Range Finding Station for Battery Schenck. Today, Battery Thomas remains in good condition, offering visitors an excellent vantage point to view the entire Fort Morgan site. Exploring Battery Thomas provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the strategic importance of Fort Morgan in safeguarding the Gulf Coast.
Local tips
- Allow ample time to explore the entire Fort Morgan State Historic Site, including the museum and other batteries.
- Check the Fort Morgan website for events, demonstrations, and military tributes that may be taking place during your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground and climbing steep staircases.
A brief summary to Battery Thomas
- Fort Thomas, Gulf Shores, AL, 36542, US
Getting There
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Driving
From Gulf Shores, drive west on Highway 180 for approximately 22 miles. Fort Morgan State Historic Site will be on your left. Parking is available near the museum. Admission to the fort includes access to Battery Thomas. Parking is free and plentiful.
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Ferry
Alternatively, take the Mobile Bay Ferry from Dauphin Island. Once you arrive at Fort Morgan, Battery Thomas is a short walk from the ferry landing within the Fort Morgan State Historic Site. Ferry tickets for pedestrians are $6.
