Completed in 1834, Fort Morgan was active during four wars — the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World Wars I and II. The fort is most famous for its role in the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. Union Admiral David Farragut damned the torpedoes and went full speed ahead to win the battle. The massive fort contains more than 40 million bricks and pays tribute to the skilled masons, many of whom were enslaved African Americans.

The fort features an active living history program that interprets all the military periods and holds an annual event commemorating the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Since 1834 Fort Morgan has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay. The military site and National Historic Landmark is located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores. During the Civil War on August 5, 1864, Fort Morgan played a key role during the Battle of Mobile Bay before surrendering to Union forces after a two-week siege. Alabama's largest permanent military post between 1900 and 1923, the fort served during the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II.


A third system masonry fort constructed between 1819 and 1834, the 479-acre site contains concrete artillery batteries constructed between 1895 and 1904, and historic military buildings dating from 1899 to 1910. A museum details the American military history of Mobile Point from 1814 to 1945. Exhibits feature weapons, uniforms, letters, photographs, and personal items of soldiers who served at the fort.


Site Director: Blanton Blankenship
(251) 540-7127
Email: bricfort@gulftel.com

Visitor Services
Admission:

*Member of site's friends group if applicable
**Groups are ten or more people
    School groups are required to have 1 adult per 15 students.
    Those adults are admitted at no charge

Hours:
Fort (open daily)
April through October, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November through March, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Museum (open daily)
9 a.m.-5 p.m.  
Closed Noon to 1:00 p.m.  

Tours: Call (251) 540-5297 to schedule. Seasonal guided tours are available daily June through August at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.


Location/Directions: The fort is at the western end of Highway 180, 22 miles west of Highway 59, in Gulf Shores. It can also be reached from Dauphin Island by way of the Mobile Bay auto ferry. The physical address is 51 Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.  


Facilities: Historic fort and artillery batteries, museum, picnic area, bird sanctuary, fishing pier and boat launch, auto ferry.


Regular Programs


Fort Bowyer/War of 1812 Living History Encampment - February 23
Spring Bird Migration Watch - March 29-April 10
Civil War Preservation Trust Park Day - April 5
Tuesday Night Candlelight Tours - June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Artillery Salute to American Independence - July 4
Battle of Mobile Bay Civil War Encampment - August 2-3
Fall Bird Migration Watch - October 4-16
Civil War Christmas at Fort Morgan - December 13


Teacher Resources
A reference library is available to teachers by appointment. The site educator is available for unique curricular needs or other special requirements. Contact the education department at (251) 540-5297.