A Day at Fort Morgan State Historic Site

If you’re visiting Alabama’s Beaches, don’t miss the Fort Morgan State Historic Site. Even if military history isn’t your thing, the fort’s incredible architecture and sweeping ocean views make it a must-see.

A Brief History

Fort Morgan, located on Mobile Bay, was built between 1819 and 1834 using an incredible 46 million cubic yards of bricks. Enslaved African Americans, whose skill and labor made the fort what it is today, did much of the work.

The fort played a crucial role in the Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, when Union forces captured it after a two-week siege. This is where Admiral Farragut famously shouted, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

The fort was later used during the Spanish-American War and even saw service in both World Wars. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark, preserving centuries of history.

Explore the Fort

The star-shaped fort is, without a doubt, the “star” attraction. While guided tours are available (check the website for the latest schedules), admission comes with a self-guided tour brochure, so you can explore the fort at your own pace. Plus, there are plenty of historical markers throughout the site that share fascinating details about key spots.

Plan to spend 2–3 hours at Fort Morgan. That gives you plenty of time to wander through the fort, check out the artillery batteries, explore the historic buildings, and visit the museum and gift shop. Don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the beach and soak in the incredible views of Mobile Bay!

Three of the fort’s casemates (vaulted, bomb-proof rooms built into its walls) are interpreted to show what life was like for soldiers, laundresses, and the ordnance sergeant.

East of the fort, you’ll find several historic structures, including an old airstrip, the Post Bakery, Battery Bowyer, Battery Dearborn, and the crumbling remains of the Peace Magazine (which was damaged by a hurricane). I wish I’d had time to check them all out!

Visit the Museum and Gift Shop

The exhibits span from the 1800s through World War I and even include stories about the area’s lighthouses and Fort Bowyer, the smaller log-and-sand fort before Fort Morgan.

As someone not usually into military history, I was fascinated by the little details—like the holiday menus on display. It’s fun to imagine what they ate and how they celebrated back then!

Take in the Scenic Views and Overlooks

Climbing up to the top of the fort is amazing! Some of the stairs are steep and don’t have handrails, but it’s well worth the climb—just be careful! The view of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico is simply breathtaking! You can spot everything from dolphins to passing boats (like the Dauphin Island ferry).

Other Things to Do at Fort Morgan

• Beach relaxation: This quiet stretch of beach is perfect for a stroll or a picnic. Swimming is not recommended due to the high risk of rip currents.
• Birdwatching: Fort Morgan is a great spot for birding enthusiasts as it’s a migratory bird stopover and part of the Alabama Birding Trail. There are also public bird banding events each spring and fall.
• Fishing: Throw in a line, and you might catch redfish, kingfish, or red snapper.
• Ferry Ride to/from Dauphin Island: The 40-minute ride saves about 2 hours of driving and allows passengers to see two forts from the water (Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines) and view birds, sea life, and other boats and ships. Check the website for the schedule and pricing.

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