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Ruins of the Second Fort Condé: Colonial Mobile's Vestiges

Explore the foundations of Colonial Mobile at the Ruins of the Second Fort Condé, where French, British, Spanish, and American history converge.

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The Ruins of the Second Fort Condé in Mobile, Alabama, offer a glimpse into the city's colonial past. These foundations are the only remaining architectural vestiges of the original Fort Condé, which played a crucial role under French, British, Spanish, and American rule.

A brief summary to Ruins of the Second Fort Conde

  • 111 S Royal St, Mobile, Central Business District, Alabama, 36602, US
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Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the History Museum of Mobile for a more in-depth understanding of the city's colonial past.
  • Take a stroll through Mardi Gras Park, where you can view additional remnants of the original Fort Condé.
  • Check out the nearby replica of Fort Condé to get a sense of the fort's original scale and layout.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Ruins of the Second Fort Condé are centrally located in downtown Mobile and easily accessible on foot from most downtown hotels and attractions. From the intersection of Government Street and Royal Street, walk south on Royal Street for one block. The ruins will be on your left, adjacent to Mardi Gras Park. The walk is generally flat and well-paved.

  • Public Transport

    WAVE Transit provides bus service throughout Mobile. Check the WAVE Transit website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. The closest bus stops are located on Government Street near Royal Street, a short walk from the ruins. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Driving

    If driving, take I-10 to Exit 26B (Water Street/Downtown). Turn left at the first traffic light onto Government Street. Turn left at the next traffic light onto S. Royal Street. The History Museum of Mobile is on the left. The ruins are located directly in front of the museum. Parking is available in nearby lots. Metered street parking is available for $1.00 per hour , with a two-hour limit on certain streets. Parking lots typically charge between $4.00 and $5.00 for 0-4 hours, $7.00 to $8.00 for 4-8 hours, and $10.00 to $20.00 for the entire day.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. A ride from the Mobile Cruise Terminal or the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park to the Ruins of the Second Fort Condé will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Ruins of the Second Fort Conde

The Ruins of the Second Fort Condé stand as a reminder of Mobile's layered history and colonial past. Constructed by the French in 1723, the fort was more than a military installation; it was a stage for empire, cultural exchange, and resilience. Serving under French, British, Spanish, and American flags, each power left its mark on the structure and its story. The original Fort Condé, also known as Fort Louis de la Mobile, was initially located further inland. Due to flooding, it was relocated closer to the Gulf, leading to a smaller wooden fort. By 1723, the French began building a new fort covering over 10 acres, with walls 16 to 20 feet tall and a surrounding moat, designed to showcase French dominance in the New World. The fort's strategic location at the confluence of the Mobile River and Mobile Bay controlled access to the interior, serving as a vital link in the French colonial network. In 1763, following the French and Indian War, France ceded Mobile to Great Britain, who renamed the fort Fort Charlotte and undertook repairs. In 1780, Spanish forces laid siege to the fort, and after two weeks, the British surrendered. The Spanish renamed it Fuerta Carlota. In 1813, the United States seized Mobile from Spain. By 1823, the city requested the fort's destruction to make room for expansion. Today, the ruins serve as a tangible link to Mobile's complex past.

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