A Place Where the Past Still Walks the Shore

At the very tip of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, where land runs out and the sea rolls in, you’ll find a place that has stood watch for nearly 200 years.

Fort Morgan isn’t just a beach town. It’s a living piece of American history.

Waves crash where warships once clashed. Winds whisper across ramparts that once echoed with cannon fire. And today, sun-seekers and families walk the same ground where soldiers once defended a nation.

This is the story of Fort Morgan, Alabama—a place where past and present come together in a way that few destinations can match. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone who likes their beach vacation with a little more meaning, this is one spot you won’t want to miss.

The History of Fort Morgan

Before it became a peaceful getaway, Fort Morgan was a cornerstone of coastal defense and one of the most important military posts in the South.

Built to Guard the Gulf

Construction on Fort Morgan began in 1819, part of a broader effort to defend the U.S. coastline after the War of 1812. Completed in 1834, it replaced an earlier earthen fortification (Fort Bowyer) and became the largest military installation in the state of Alabama at the time.

Built primarily from brick and local materials, the fort was designed in a star shape and strategically positioned to guard the mouth of Mobile Bay—an important shipping channel then and now.

Civil War Battleground

Fort Morgan’s moment in the national spotlight came during the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864, one of the most pivotal naval battles of the Civil War.

Union forces under Admiral David Farragut stormed the bay, braving Confederate fire from both Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines across the water. It was here that Farragut famously declared:
“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

After a fierce battle, Fort Morgan was bombarded from land and sea and eventually surrendered to Union forces, marking a major victory that helped seal the fate of the Confederacy.

From Two World Wars to Preservation

Though best known for its Civil War legacy, Fort Morgan continued to serve military purposes through World War I and World War II—modernized with concrete batteries, searchlights, and artillery designed to protect the Gulf from enemy ships and submarines.

After nearly 150 years of active and reserve duty, the fort was decommissioned and transferred to the State of Alabama in 1946.

Today, it’s preserved as a State Historic Site, welcoming visitors from around the world.

How to Explore Fort Morgan Today

Whether you’re a history lover or just looking for a fun and meaningful family outing, Fort Morgan Historic Siteoffers plenty to discover.

Explore the Fort Grounds

• Wander through historic bastions, tunnels, and artillery rooms

• Climb the ramparts for sweeping views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf

• Visit the museum, which includes Civil War artifacts, uniforms, maps, and weaponry

• Check out the concrete gun batteries from later eras, including Battery Dearborn

Don’t Miss: The view from the fort’s sea wall is stunning at sunset, with pelicans diving and shrimp boats drifting across the bay.

Living History Programs

• Seasonal reenactments, guided tours, and educational events bring history to life

• Cannon firings and costumed interpreters are offered during special weekends and holidays

• Great for families, homeschoolers, and Civil War buffs

Beach Access

Fort Morgan isn’t all about brick and cannons—it also has one of the most peaceful stretches of Gulf Coast beach you’ll find anywhere.

• Visitors to the fort can access the beach just east of the site

• You’ll find wide-open sand, gentle surf, and fewer crowds than Gulf Shores

• The water here is perfect for wading, shell hunting, and dolphin watching

Combine a morning at the fort with an afternoon picnic on the beach—it’s a local favorite.

Nature, Trails & Wildlife

Fort Morgan sits at the western edge of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, making it a hotspot for birdwatching, sea turtle nesting, and wildlife encounters.

• Watch for ospreys, pelicans, monarch butterflies, and armadillos

• Walk the Pine Beach Trail nearby for access to natural dunes and a pristine beach

• Launch a kayak into Little Lagoon from the Jeff Friend Trail area

The peninsula itself is also a major stopover point for migratory birds in the spring and fall—so bring your binoculars if you visit during those seasons.

Getting There: Directions & Details

• Location: 110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

• Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily

• Admission:

  • Adults: $8

  • Seniors & Students: $5

  • Children under 6: Free

  • Active military: Free with ID

Parking is available on-site, and the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island departs from just outside the entrance.

Why Fort Morgan Still Matters

Fort Morgan isn’t just a site of battles long past. It’s a place that reminds us of who we were, who we are, and how we got here.

It’s quiet but powerful. Humble, but deeply significant. And it sits just down the road from beach houses and vacation rentals—waiting to be explored by a new generation.

Whether you spend an hour or a full day, Fort Morgan offers something few destinations do: a chance to walk through history with the salt breeze in your hair.

Are We There Yet?

Some vacations are about escape. Others are about connection.

Fort Morgan gives you both.

It’s where families come to unwind, where kids learn their first bit of Civil War history, and where travelers find that rarest of treasures: a place that hasn’t forgotten its roots.

So take a day, step away from the beach towel, and go explore Alabama’s guardian of the Gulf. The cannon may be quiet, but the stories still echo across the bay.