Fort Morgan is a historic masonry pentagonal bastion fort at the mouth of Mobile Bay, Alabama. It was named after Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan. It replaced Fort Bowyer, an earthen and stockade type fort that played a pivotal role in the War of 1812. It is the only remaining bastion fort in the world, and can be visited for free. However, the fort was in ruins when we visited, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A State Legislature act in 1955 established the Fort Morgan Historical Commission and continued to promote the preservation of the fort. In 1959, the Foley Woman’s Club took the initiative to establish a museum at Fort Morgan. The plan included the restoration of the former “ammunition building,” which had been built to store ammunition during wartime to protect artillery platforms. This project was a great success. The resulting museum is one of the most impressive in Alabama.
Located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Morgan is an ideal place to visit. A free ferry service connects the peninsula to Dauphin Island, which offers beaches and shallow waters. In addition to the peninsula, there are several state parks in the region. The main park is the Fort Morgan Historical Site. It is open to the public and has a self-guided tour map. The park also hosts Covid-19, a military exhibition that is free and open to the public.
Near the Fort Morgan Marina, Tacky Jack’s is a local favorite. In addition to offering delicious seafood, this restaurant features live karaoke on Thursdays and Saturdays. If you’d prefer to go on an active activity, visit the Gulf State Park in nearby Gulf Shores. It offers beaches, a fishing pier, and trails to explore. The beach is free, but you must remember to be sure to check with the park before you head there.
While the historic site of Fort Morgan isn’t open to the public, you can visit the site and enjoy the sunset from the balconies. The town has several restaurants that will serve dinner and drink to visitors. The restaurant can be found on the Gulf Coast, and offers a breathtaking view of the city. There are many opportunities to see the monuments and learn about its history. It’s a must for any traveler in the area.
The Fort Morgan Museum offers free tours of the fort seven days a week. In addition to self-guided tours, the Fort offers weapons demonstrations. The museum is open to the public on weekends and holidays. A book written by John R. Weaver is a good reference for more information on Alabama’s history. A Heritage Portal includes articles about culture and history. It is an excellent resource for research. While you’re there, make sure to check out the site.