Fort Gaines, located on Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a historic fortification renowned for its role in the Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Below is detailed information about the fort:
County: Mobile County
Zip Code: 36528
Latitude / Longitude: 30°14′54″N, 88°04′32″W
Elevation: Approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6; UTC-5 during Daylight Saving Time)
Established: 1821
Disestablished: Decommissioned in 1946
Comments: Fort Gaines was established in 1821 and named after General Edmund Pendleton Gaines. Wikipedia It played a pivotal role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War, where Union Admiral David Farragut famously commanded, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” The fort’s strategic position allowed it to control the entrance to Mobile Bay, making it a critical point of defense.
Remains: Fort Gaines is one of the best-preserved 19th-century shoreline fortifications today. Battlefields Visitors can explore original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, tunnels, and a museum. The fort offers panoramic views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Current Status: Operates as a historic site and museum
Remarks: Fort Gaines has been designated as one of the Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites in America due to ongoing shoreline erosion. Alabama Tourism Efforts are underway to preserve this significant piece of American history.
