Exploring the History of Alabama's Gulf Coast

July 27, 2020

History buffs will love discovering the history of the Gulf Coast including Native American museums, antebellum mansions, military forts, maritime and railroad museums, and much more.

Imagine when the thundering booms of cannons protected the turquoise waterways at historic Fort Morgan. And the shouts of Admiral David Farragut, “Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!” as he led his troops into battle. While in the area, drive the impressive Mobile Bay Civil War Trail that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to north Mobile County.

Tours are offered at the Swift-Coles Historic Home and Bellingrath Gardens and Home. At the Swift-Coles Home, you might encounter a ghost or two while roaming the post-Civil War grounds surrounded by beautiful live oaks, azaleas and magnolias. Built in 1936 Bellingrath Gardens and Home includes a vibrant 65-acre garden and tours of both the home and gardens are offered year-round. And don’t miss the colorful wonder of Magic Christmas in Lights in November and December which is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Learn about the history of the area by exploring interesting articles and artifacts at the Gulf Shores Museum. The hurricane exhibit and film are not-to-be-missed and tell how people have persevered through the storms over the years to create a one-of-a-kind city filled with Southern hospitality. At the Indian & Sea Museum, explore the history of Orange Beach, local Indian heritage, the original schoolhouse filled with ancient artifacts from the Civil War and how the shrimping industry got its start. Discover how far science and the medical field have progressed by exploring the first hospital in Baldwin County at the Holmes Medical Museum. Browse antique medical equipment and exam rooms which are sure to spark the interest of your future doctors and nurses and those in the medical profession. Step into a real caboose and see what it was like 70 years ago for a train crew in Foley’s Railroad Museum. Watch as several model trains run along the tracks and imagine the town coming to life as the train speeds through it.

Tour the world’s largest naval aviation museum at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola. Explore more than 150 beautifully restored, one-of-a-kind aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. You’ll want to stay all day because there is so much to see and do. While there, catch the Blue Angels soaring into the sky performing awe-inspiring feats at one of their practices. In Mobile, take a step back in time, reliving the many thrilling stories that played out aboard the USS Alabama Battleship and submarine USS DRUM at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Don’t forget to visit the inspiring Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, and check out the other aircraft and military equipment in the park.

With so much of the past to discover, you’ll want to see it all and spend some time enjoying the beautiful beaches, too. Plan your Alabama Gulf Coast history tour today.