The History Of Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

February 14, 2023

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

Gulf Shores

Learn about the area's history by exploring interesting articles and artifacts at the Gulf Shores Museum. The hurricane exhibit and film are not-to-be-missed as they show how people have persevered through the storms over the years to create a one-of-a-kind city filled with Southern hospitality.

Orange Beach

At the Indian & Sea Museum, explore the history of Orange Beach, local Indian heritage, and the original schoolhouse. This museum features ancient artifacts from the Civil War as well as some from the shrimping industry.

Fort Morgan

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 Fort Morgan, take the ferry to Dauphin Island and check out Fort Gains Historic Site. The ramparts of this significant battlefield have guarded Mobile Bay for over 150 years, as the site is home to one of the Civil War’s most iconic naval conflicts.

Foley

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 that will spark the interest of future doctors, nurses, and medical professionals.

Step into a real caboose and see what it was like 70 years ago for a train crew at Foley’s Model Train and Railroad Museum. You’ll watch several model trains run along the tracks and imagine the town coming to life as the train speeds through it. It’s a great museum for kids to enjoy.

Mobile

A trip to Mobile will bring you to two impressive museums that capture the culture and history of the port city. The History Museum of Mobile holds over 90,000 artifacts related to the city’s history, including baseball, Mardi Gras, shipbuilding, and rotating exhibits. Down the road, you’ll find the Mobile Carnival Museum, which allows visitors to discover the rich history and traditions of Mardi Gras in its birth city of Mobile.

Catch a tour of the Swift-Coles Historic Home. Here, you might encounter a ghost or two while roaming the post-Civil War grounds surrounded by beautiful live oaks, azaleas, and magnolias.

While in the area, drive the impressive Mobile Bay Civil War Trail that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to north Mobile County.

Gardeners and nature lovers will want to visit Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Built in 1936, this iconic spot includes a vibrant 65-acre garden and tours of both the home and gardens are available year-round. If you’re around during winter, 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.

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 Vietnam and Korean War Memorials and check out the other aircraft and military equipment in the park.

Pensacola

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. Currently, only Department of Defense cardholders may enter the museum.