Fort Gaines
A 19th-century brick coastal fort at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, a witness to the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay and remarkably well preserved.
Fort Gaines was built between 1821 and 1861 to guard the entrance to Mobile Bay. During the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay, Union Admiral Farragut shouted “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” in the waters in front of the fort. The fort's five-sided brick walls, tunnels, blacksmith shop, kitchen and cannons are well preserved, and costumed demonstrations are often held. Admission is by ticket. From the ramparts you can look out over the Gulf of Mexico and the drilling platforms in the bay. It is located at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, next to the ferry dock.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Alabama Aquarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
- Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary
- Dauphin Island
- Bellingrath Gardens and Home
- Fairhope
- Magnolia Cemetery
- Oakleigh Historic Complex
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park