Civil War Trail

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Published on: January 22, 2026

During the late summer of 1864, Union forces clashed with the Confederates in what became known as one of the most historic confrontations of the Civil War at sea. Although this conflict was over 150 years ago, the sites of its encounters and other war disputes on Mobile Bay are still here today. The Civil War trail on the Alabama Gulf Coast stretches over 90 miles from Mobile County to the Gulf. Visit the iconic landmarks and discover the realities of the soldiers of the Battle for Mobile Bay with our official guide to the Civil War trail.

Civil War Battle Sites on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Historic Fort Morgan

Standing guard where the bay meets the Gulf, Fort Morgan played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 as one of the main battle sites. This pentagon-shaped fort is home to batteries, cannons, and arched tunnels winding through its fortified walls. Also on-site is a museum, which has memorabilia from soldiers who fought at the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park includes the site of the largest Civil War battle in Alabama and last major battle of the war, the Battle of Blakeley. The grounds boast several miles of unspoiled Confederate and Union fortifications associated with the battle among the 2,100 acres that encompass the historic site.

Civil War battle re-enactment at Historic Fort Gaines Site in Dauphin Island

Fort Gaines Historic Site

The ramparts of Fort Gaines in Dauphin Island have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. It's one of the key sites in the famous Battle of Mobile Bay, where Admiral Farragut shouted the iconic order, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Like Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines is open to the public to tour.

Old Methodist Church of Daphne Museum & Cemetery

Built in the Greek Revival style in 1858, the Old Methodist Church of Daphne sheltered Union soldiers for one night in March 1865 during the Overland Campaign. The cemetery contains the graves of at least four Union soldiers from the USS Osage.

History Museum of Mobile

Housed in downtown Mobile, the History Museum of Mobile interprets over 300 years of Mobile’s rich history, including an impressive Civil War exhibit.

Grand Hotel & Confederacy Rest Cemetery

The first Grand Hotel, built in 1847, housed a Confederate military hospital during the Civil War. About 300 unknown Confederate soldiers are buried in the cemetery near the hotel grounds.

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