Civil War Sites
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
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 on water. 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 iconic landmarks and discover the realities of soldiers in the Battle for Mobile Bay at these Alabama Civil War battlefields, museums, and other notable sites.
Civil War Battle Sites on the Alabama Gulf Coast
Historic Fort Morgan
Standing guard where the bay meets the Gulf, Historic ort 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 with memorabilia from soldiers who fought in 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 the 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. Self-guided tours of the battlegrounds are available and highlight key areas of the battlefield.
Fort Gaines Historic Site
The ramparts of Fort Gaines in Dauphin Island have guarded the opposite 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 Historic Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines is open to the public for tours. The site has tunnels, original Civil War cannons, a blacksmith shop with demos, a museum and a gift shop.
Civil War Museums & Cemeteries
History Museum of Mobile
Housed in downtown Mobile, the History Museum of Mobile's "Old Ways, New Days Part 1" exhibit interprets over 300 years of Mobile’s rich history, including an impressive Civil War gallery. Admission includes access to the museum and nearby Colonial Fort Conde.
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. Visiting hours are from 1- 4 pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays or by appointment.
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. The cemetery is three minutes away from the resort at 5897 Pine Grove Dr. in Fairhope.
Alabama's Beaches
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Trip Planning Resources
Explore the Civil War Trail stretching over 90 miles across the Alabama Gulf Coast, featuring battle sites and historic landmarks from the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay. Visit Historic Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, and Historic Blakeley State Park, where Alabama's largest Civil War battle occurred, plus museums and cemeteries preserving this important chapter of history.