Journey to Fort Morgan on the Connecting with the Past tour along the Alabama Coastal Connection, ACC blog march 1and you’ll find a place rich in history. It may be best known for its role in the August 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay – when Admiral David Farragut shouted, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” – but Fort Morgan has a rich and storied past that is shared with visitors who venture through its arches and across its walls.

Located on the tip of its namesake peninsula, this historic fort stands tall as one of the guardians of Mobile Bay. It is accessible by car and by the Mobile Bay Ferry. Plan to spend several hours at the fort, soaking in the history and the landscape of this beautiful place.

Fort Morgan’s history spans more than a century. The structure was originally built as Fort Bowyer and used in the War of 1812; it was subsequently captured by the British. Returned to the United States through the War of 1812 peace treaty, Fort Morgan, named for Revolutionary War hero General Daniel Morgan, was constructed beginning in 1834. Fort Morgan was used during the U.S. Civil War, World War I and World War II, then abandoned in 1944.AAC March blog 1

Today, visitors have the opportunity to roam the historic masonry fort on self-guided tours. Of particular interest are the cannons and the artillery still in place at different points in the fort. Climb the stairs and look out at the view soldiers would have had as they guarded their posts day in and day out.

Several special events are planned yearly, including re-enactments by interpreters dressed in historical clothing and tours given by living history interpreters in June and July. Every Tuesday night during June and July, twilight tours of Fort Morgan are given.

Spring Garrison Living History Day is April 9. The re-enactment, planned for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will take visitors back to 1861 when troops from Alabama arrived to garrison the fort. Historical interpreters will demonstrate the drills troops would have gone through as they prepared for hostilities. Infantry and artillery demos will be given throughout the day.

Fort Morgan’s many arches are a photographer’s dream. Try your hand at photographing them as they fade ACC March Blog No. 1 Fort Morganinto the background of your frame. Of course, the beach views from the top of the fort are also spectacular and not to be missed. Inside the museum, you’ll find a wealth of information and historical artifacts. A few good tips to remember: Wear good walking shoes and bring a hat and sunglasses for the outside areas of the fort. Be prepared to duck while passing through some of the archways. Rest your soles and feed your family at the two picnic areas along the shores of Mobile Bay.

The fort is open for tours daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Museum Gift Shop is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors aged 65 and over, and $4 for children ages 6-12; children under the age of 6 are admitted free. A family package for two adults and two children is available for $18. The fort is closed on major holidays including Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

For more information about Fort Morgan, please call the office at 251-540-7202 or 251-540-7665, the Fort Morgan Museum at 251-540-7127, or visit the website. http://www.fort-morgan.org/plan-your-visit/