Historical Records
Today’s coastal Alabama is a sandy, southern enclave of beautiful beaches, welcoming accommodations, and family-friendly attractions. But behind the activities and amenities of modern life is a thrilling history that lives on in area museums and heritage sites.
You might already know that Alabama was part of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War and remnants of that conflict dot the coastline. But if you thought the area’s military history went back no further, you’d be off by about 300 years.
The Rest is History
Spanish explorers landed just east of Orange Beach in 1559. That first colony was wiped out by a hurricane, but the Spanish tried again and in 1698 established Presidio Santa Maria de Galve, the first permanent settlement in this part of the Gulf coast. That same stretch of land would become a naval air station, now home to the National Naval Aviation Museum. Nearby are Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas, the latter used in both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
Discover it for yourself as a visitor at five of our top historic sites of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:
Discover Our Top Historical Sites
The Baldwin County Heritage Museum records the history of those who settled the county around the turn of the last century. The story is told through the tools, machinery and objects they used.
From the time of the earliest Native American residents to the town’s founding in 1894, the Fairhope Museum of History covers the Civil War years, the history of pottery, local people who fought in World War II and the Bay Boat years on Mobile Bay.
Occupying the strategic point where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf, Fort Morgan played a critical role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 and was also used during the Spanish-American War, WWI and WWII. Tours of the masonry fort, completed in 1833, bring the past to vivid life in the present time.
Recipient of nine WWII Battle Stars, the Battleship USS Alabama is a legend among legends and saw action at Leyte, the Gilbert Islands and Okinawa. It is now the centerpiece of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park which also includes an Aircraft Pavilion and the USS Drum, the oldest American submarine on public display.
Mobile Bay Civil War Trail
Set at the end of Highway 180 in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan Museum is the southernmost stop along the Mobile Bay Civil War Trail, which stretches more than 90 miles from the Gulf to Mobile County. There are more than a dozen Civil War sites on this trail, including Fort Gaines, where Admiral Farragut shouted, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Also included is Magee Farm, known as “The Last Appomattox,” where Confederate General Richard Taylor surrendered 47,000 troops to the Union.
Gulf Shores Museum
Enjoy a technology-driven interactive display of "Hurricane Hunters", where you can fly through the hurricane's eye. The Gulf Shores Museum offers permanent and special exhibits as well as seasonal festivals. This is a great place to start when getting a feel for the local Gulf Coast history.
National Naval Aviation Museum
Get hands-on with history at the National Naval Aviation Museum, where adventure awaits around every corner! Take control in our...
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
The public is invited to tour the grounds and monuments, utilize the picnic area, and enjoy the bird observatory. The...
Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway
Beautiful beaches, authentic downtowns, wildlife preserves, historic sites and fresh-off-the-boat seafood are all yours to enjoy along Alabama’s Coastal Connection...
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb the 177 steps to the historic Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for one of the most beautiful views of...
Mobile Carnival Museum
Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival. See firsthand the intricate designs and artistry of majestic crowns...
Fairhope Museum of History
We are located in the heart of downtown in Fairhope’s 1928 Spanish Mission-style city hall building. The museum includes the...
Fort Mims Historic Site
The Fort Mims historic site offers an amazing educational experience about its significant role in the history of Alabama and...
University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum
The museum showcases artifacts from the Gulf Coast and covers over 12,000 years of prehistory and history. Artifacts are contextualized...
Mobile Medical Museum
Located in one of Mobile’s oldest homes, the Mobile Medical Museum offers exhibitions and tours that provide visitors of all...
Historic Oakleigh
The Historic Oakleigh House Museum is a circa 1833 country villa built by Virginian James Roper. A raised T-Shaped Greek...
Phoenix Fire Museum
From turn-of-the-century horse-drawn fire trucks and early motorized engines, to vintage uniforms and badges, discover the history of Mobile’s volunteer...
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
This public research and education facility encompasses over 9,000 acres of protected estuarine habitats around the Weeks Bay area. The...
Africatown Heritage House
Africatown Heritage House is a community building that houses “Clotilda: The Exhibition,” to share the long-untold story of the nation’s...
The Richards DAR House Museum
The Richards-DAR House Museum is a beautiful Italianate townhouse that was built in 1860 by a local riverboat captain, Charles...
Fly Over The
Dating back to the start of the 19th Century, Fort Morgan has been a key defense fort in a number of historic battles including the Civil War, Battle of Spanish Fort and more recently the two World Wars.
Plan Your Stay
Ready to get acquainted with Alabama’s beaches and history? Request a vacation guide and build your plans to tour our local history! Be sure to book your Gulf Shores hotel or Orange Beach condo rental today!
Book Your Stay
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