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Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a 3rd System Coastal Defense Fort and it was built after the War of 1812 when Congress realized the southern and eastern coastlines needed stronger fortifications. Construction began in 1819, the Fort was named in 1833 and it was completed in 1834.
Fort Morgan was named for a Revolutionary War hero named General Daniel Morgan. It was designed to protect Mobile Bay and the star shape allowed the fort's defenders to concentrate heavy fire on any invading forces. Fort Morgan was active in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. It was also used as a training base during World War I. In 1941 the Fort was reactivated and manned by the Navy and Coast Guard before being deactivated in 1946 and turned over the State of Alabama. It was during the well known Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864 that an 18-ship Union fleet commanded by Admiral D. G. Farragut was heading for Fort Morgan and the entrance to Mobile Bay. The Confederate soldiers at Fort Morgan opened fire. Shortly after this started the leading Union Monitor named the Tecumseh hit a mine (during this time mines were called torpedoes) and sank almost instantly. When the Union fleet hesitated Admiral Farragut gave the famous order of "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead !". The remaining ships made it past the fort, through the minefield and into Mobile Bay. Civil War re-enactments are hosted at Fort Morgan and make a good day trip. You can visit Fort Morgan for a nominal fee (less than $5 for Adults). There should be a sign at the gatehouse specifying where to go to pay. There is also a museum where you can see historical items associated with Fort Morgan.
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Below is a pedestrian bridge that has recently been built on West Beach. Features like this will soon connect our north and south Beach Blvd. properties. Click the photo to see a larger image.
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Map Have a Safe and Happy Year !
Copyright © 2006-2008 All Rights Reserved, Gulf-Place, Gulf Shores,
Alabama.
01/01/2008 |
