Fort Gaines & Fort Morgan (US Coastal Defense Forts)
Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:43 am
After a quick visit to the USS Alabama, my brother and I drove to Dauphin Island, AL to visit Fort Gaines. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Gaines_%28Alabama%29
It was the first time I had ever visited a coastal defense fort. Gaines was built before the US Civil War. It and Fort Morgan across the bay were instrumental parts of the Battle of Mobile Bay.
The giant masonry brick building is striking. Pictures do not quite do it justice. The only negative; which my brother and I thought was pretty big, was they put up Christmas decorations all around the fort. They definitely took away some of the feel for the place.
You'll easily notice the newer concrete works. In the late 1800's, the fort was updated with new quick firing batteries.
It was the first time I had ever visited a coastal defense fort. Gaines was built before the US Civil War. It and Fort Morgan across the bay were instrumental parts of the Battle of Mobile Bay.
The giant masonry brick building is striking. Pictures do not quite do it justice. The only negative; which my brother and I thought was pretty big, was they put up Christmas decorations all around the fort. They definitely took away some of the feel for the place.
You'll easily notice the newer concrete works. In the late 1800's, the fort was updated with new quick firing batteries.