Historic Alabama Civil War Sites
The Alabama Civil War sites along the Battle of Mobile Bay Civil War Trail vary in many ways. Some sit amid current day facilities and activities, marked only by signs documenting the actions of earlier times. Others, however, have been dedicated to preserving and retelling the stories of the past.
No matter where you start your journey along the trail, be sure to stop at these major sites, where you can walk in the footsteps of the soldiers, touch the metal of cannons and imagine the realities of life during the Civil War.
FORT MORGAN
51 State Highway 180 West
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 540-7127
dylantucker@fort-morgan.org
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. The Fort Morgan Civil War highlight came on August 5, 1864, when the fort 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.
FORT GAINES
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-6992
fortgaines@dauphinisland.org
The role of Fort Gaines in the Battle of Mobile Bay, one of the war’s most notable naval conflicts, is detailed in exhibits and signs throughout the fort. On a site where history spans three centuries, most of the work on the fort was completed by 1861. The outbreak of the Civil War then left the remainder of work to the Confederate States of America, which added the last touches by 1862. Today, the stories of the fort’s days in battle, and the soldiers encamped there, are brought to life daily in engaging Civil War tours.
HISTORIC BLAKELEY STATE PARK
34745 State Hwy. 225
Spanish Fort, AL 36577
(251) 626-0798
BlakeleyPark@aol.com
Visit the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Enjoy 10 1/2 miles of hiking and bike trails, camping and a serene boardwalk next to the Tensaw River. Nowhere else on this Gulf Coast can you descend from the last Appalachian Hill into a massive National Historic Register site. The view gradually plunging down to the mossy banks of the Tensaw River is breathtaking.
MAGEE FARM
6222 Highway 45
Kushla, AL 36613
(251) 675-1863
Toll Free: (877) 675-1864
The meeting at the Magee Farm saw General Richard Taylor and General E. R. S. Canby agree to a cease fire prior to the surrender of the last organized Confederate forces east of the Mississippi on the morning of April 29, 1865. The home and many of the original furnishings offer an authentic look into the Civil War era, making this one of the more popular Alabama Civil War sites. Call for tour information.
MUSEUM OF MOBILE
111 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 208-7569
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. The Museum of Mobile has something to offer all ages and interests. Explore 300 years of Mobile history and material culture in the 1857 National Landmark building, the Southern Market/Old City Hall. Visit the museum and learn about the life and times of a great Gulf Coast city.
