Fort Morgan State Historic Site, Wiregrass Travel Guide

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Explore a historic military fort on Alabama's Gulf Coast with a rich past, museum exhibits, and stunning views of Mobile Bay.

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Fort Morgan State Historic Site

Explore Fort Morgan, a 19th-century masonry fort that played a crucial role in American military history, guarding Mobile Bay through multiple wars. Discover its well-preserved architecture, museum exhibits, and scenic views.

A brief summary to Fort Morgan State Historic Site

110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, Alabama, 36542, US
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Monday 8 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 8 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Morgan State Historic Site.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces while exploring the fort.
Bring sunscreen and a hat, as there is limited shade on the fort grounds.
Visit during the cooler months for a more comfortable experience, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the outdoor areas.
Check the Alabama Historical Commission website for information on guided tours and special events, such as reenactments.
Take time to explore the beaches around the fort and enjoy the views of Mobile Bay. You may even spot dolphins!

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Explore Fort Morgan State Historic Site on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fort Morgan State Historic Site, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Gulf Shores, drive west on AL-180 for approximately 22 miles. The drive takes about 30 minutes and offers scenic coastal views. Parking is available near the museum. Limited public parking spaces are available at some beach access points.
Mobile Bay Ferry

For a unique approach, take the Mobile Bay Ferry from Dauphin Island. The ferry docks just outside the admission gates of Fort Morgan. Check the ferry schedule and fares in advance. After disembarking the ferry, it's a short walk to the fort entrance.

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, has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay since 1834. This 479-acre site offers a blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. The star-shaped fort, a National Historic Landmark, was constructed between 1819 and 1834, built with over 40 million bricks, much of the work completed by enslaved African Americans. Fort Morgan was active during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and both World Wars. It 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 fort's grounds, wander through the museum with its military exhibits, and enjoy the stunning views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The museum details the American military history of Mobile Point from 1814 to 1945, showcasing weapons, uniforms, letters, photographs, and personal items of soldiers who served at the fort. The site also features concrete artillery batteries constructed between 1895 and 1904 and historic military buildings dating from 1899 to 1910. Besides its historical significance, Fort Morgan is a haven for bird watchers, especially during migration seasons, and offers opportunities for picnicking and beach activities.