GULF SHORES, ALABAMA, USA -- Fort Morgan, strategically located at the mouth of Mobile Bay (with Fort Gaines situated on Dauphin Island guarding the other side of the bay), still stands to give visitors a graphic glimpse into our nation's past. True, hurricanes like Ivan ad Katrina have accelerated the Fort's deterioration, but there is still plenty to see here.

Originally called Fort Bowyer and later named for Daniel Morgan, a Revolutionary War hero, the fort was constructed around 1813 and claimed under the Louisiana Purchase. The War of 1812 convinced the government of the need to better protect the country's coastlines and Fort Morgan was built to help fill that need.

The fort's builder, a New Hampshire contractor, died before its completion. The Army Corps of Engineers rented slaves to complete the construction.

Keep in mind as you drive towards Fort Morgan from the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area that none of the homes and businesses that now dot the landscape were there when the fort was in active use. People stationed at Fort Morgan were isolated far from civilization.

The displays at the Fort Morgan's small museum can really bring visitors closer to history, giving them a feel for details of the daily life of fort residents that they may never have thought of otherwise. For instance, as there were no photographs, officers had to take drawing classes in order to visually impart information and reports. As Fort Morgan was completely isolated - stuck out on its Mobile Bay peninsula, they had plenty of time to do this.

During all its years of service, Fort Morgan was only actually attacked during the Civil War, when it was used against the Confederate army, although the peninsula was attacked three times. On January 4, 1861, the government authorized troops to take the fort and an 18 ship union fleet responded. The Battle of Mobile Bay ensued. When cannon fire from the fort sunk the Tecumseh, it took most of her crew down with her. The union army was temporarily confused and hesitant until Admiral D.G. Farragut gave his famous order "Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!"

Twenty people were killed in the actual battle of Mobile Bay; others were transported to prisons in Elmira, New York, where the harsh winters and dire conditions took the lives of 150 more.

After the civil war the fort stayed vacant for nearly 30 years. It was called back to service during the war with Spain from 1898 to 1912, and it transformed into a training base during World War I.

Fort Morgan closed in 1921 and was sold to the state of Alabama, however a clause in the sale states that the federal government can take the fort back any time it sees the need. This was put to the test during World War II, when the government was initially concerned about German mine subs gaining the ability to close the mouth of Mobile Bay. The feds left the fort again in 1945.

Today visitors can still walk the fort's walls, corridors and surrounding area. Munitions stores are now empty, of course, but they once housed more than 30 tons of gunpowder. While no wooden structures exist any longer, the brick work and stone masonry survives, amazingly sturdy and intact - a real testament considering all the decades of weather, erosion, and hurricanes it has withstood.

Walking this historic place is a sure way to get a more substantial understanding of the dramas that took place here in earlier days, for both children and adults. Take time and explore the exhibits in the museum, where knowledgeable docents can answer most questions you can come up with. Afterwards though, be sure to take time, stroll the grounds and soak up the history in a more first hand way.

Even non history buffs will enjoy a visit to the fort. After all, the place is surrounded by breathtaking scenic views of the Mobile Bay.

Practicalities

Fort Morgan is located at 51 Highway 180 West in Gulf Shores, Alabama, 36547; phone 251-540-7127.

For more information about visiting the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.GulfShores.com or call toll free 800-745-SAND or phone 251-968-7511.

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• Visiting Alabama's Fort Morgan
• Getting Out on the Water in Gulf Shores, Alabama
• Where to Eat In and Around Gulf Shores, Alabama
• Where to Stay In and Around Gulf Shores, Alabama

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