Relaxing on the pristine white sandy beaches or sampling some of the finest seafood cuisine are certainly some of the key reasons why Alabama's Beaches are such an attractive destination. However, you may not be familiar with this area being a historic hub primarily due to the location of the “Guardian of the Bay,” also known as Fort Morgan.
Getting to Fort Morgan
Situated 20 miles from the heart of downtown Gulf Shores along Highway 180, Fort Morgan may be in a remote location but the journey along this stretch of coastline is extremely scenic. If you would prefer to really enhance your experience, why not hop on the Mobile Bay Ferry at Dauphin Island and cruise over to the port just outside the admission gates at Historic Fort Morgan.
Fort Morgan State Historic Site Tickets
Admission to Fort Morgan is just $8 for adults, $5 children, seniors and college students and $20 for families (2 Adults+2 Children). Admission includes a self-guided tour of the Historic Fort Morgan site and accompanying museum. The museum is open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm. and the site from 8 am to 5 pm. The gift shop is open from 9 am - 4 pm.
Brief History of Fort Morgan
Dating back to the start of the 19th Century, Fort Morgan has been a key defense fort in a number of historic battles including the Civil War, Battle of Spanish Fort, and more recently the two World Wars.
Throughout the years, Fort Morgan has taken severe bombardment from various artilleries, yet has still remained strong and nowadays displays fortifications from numerous significant encounters.
Stereotypical of military design during this era, Fort Morgan symbolizes much more than just the nucleus for Mobile Bay’s defense. Instead it provided Alabama’s Gulf Coast with hope that they would survive the onslaught of attacks and to this day we are able to walk the sacred grounds that helped shape this stretch of coastline.
Exploring Historic Fort Morgan
As you pass through the admission gates and approach the Fort Morgan museum, there are a number of noticeable landmarks worth exploring before you step inside the fortified walls. The remnants of the arched shaped casemates are prevalent here, a living memory of the protected gun positions. Battery Duportail and Battery Thomas are both concrete gun positions built towards the latter end of the 19th century, providing the primary defense mechanisms of Fort Morgan. The five corners of the fort, known as ‘Bastions’ were each installed with cannons to provide additional defense against any attacks across the surrounding moat.
Climb the steep staircases that surround the pentagon shaped fort for breathtaking views across Fort Morgan and distant Mobile Bay area. Ensure you give yourselves a couple of hours at least to explore all of Fort Morgan’s grounds. Many of the archways and casemates lead to potentially hidden gems that are still uncovered and maybe you will be fortunate enough to discover a piece of history that is still untouched!
Historic Fort Morgan Museum
An assortment of military exhibits and remnants from Fort Morgan battles are presented throughout this small yet interesting museum. Artillery shells and even a piece of gold shrapnel lodged into the remains of a soldiers tooth are available here. Stroll around the museum a little further and you will come across an original lens from the nearby fort lighthouse.
Historic Fort Morgan Gift Shop
A visit to Fort Morgan would not be the same without purchasing a piece of memorabilia and the museum has a small gift shop with books and souvenirs available for purchase.
“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead”. These were the famous words of Admiral David Farragut during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. Be a part of this history by taking time to explore the rich heritage that has been left behind in Fort Morgan and how it has proved to be one of the best defensive masterpieces in American military history.
Plan Your Visit to Fort Morgan
Even if history isn't your thing, Fort Morgan Historic Site might surprise you. With its fascinating past and stunning views of Mobile Bay, this hidden gem on the Alabama coast is definitely worth a visit. Take a step back in time and see why Fort Morgan is one of the Gulf Coast's must-see historic landmarks.
