Fort Morgan is a historic military fort near Mobile, Alabama, built in the 19th century and used in several American wars. It is still a popular tourist destination and designated a National Historic Landmark. Despite damage from the Civil War and hurricanes, visitors can tour the fort and surrounding areas, including a museum with war memorabilia.
Fort Morgan is a historic United States military fort near Mobile, Alabama. This fort was built during the 19th century and was used in several American wars including the American Civil War. Despite being damaged over the years, this fort is still a popular tourist destination.
Named after Daniel Morgan, an American Revolutionary War hero and Virginia representative, Fort Morgan is one of the forts positioned at the entrance to Mobile Bay off the coast of Alabama. Fort Gaines is another fort located on Dauphin Island, also at the entrance to the bay. Unlike many other forts, the main portion of Fort Morgan is shaped like a five-pointed star. It was modeled after a design created by Napoleon Bonaparte’s military engineer.
Construction of Fort Morgan began around 1819. After the first two contractors died, the Army Corps of Engineers took over the work. Slaves and army engineers worked to build this fort until 1834 when it was finally finished.
Fort Morgan is best known for its role in the American Civil War. The Battle of Mobile Bay began on August 5, 1864, when Admiral David Farragut ordered his Federal fleet through a minefield created by the Confederate navy. After this risky but successful move, Farragut was then able to take control of Fort Gaines and Fort Powell. On August 23, 1864, the commandant of Fort Morgan surrendered after sabotaging the fort’s guns.
This fort was also used during three other major American military conflicts. American troops were stationed at Fort Morgan during the Spanish American War in 1898. It was also used as a training facility during World War I, and an airfield was built next to it during World War II. In 1960, this fort was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Over the years, Fort Morgan began to fall into a serious state of disrepair. Along with the damage inflicted during the Civil War, hurricanes have also caused damage to several wooden structures. As a result, this fort has been considered as an endangered historical battlefield since 2007.
Today, however, Fort Morgan still receives a number of visitors each year. Visitors can tour the fort and surrounding areas, and actors occasionally reenact the Battle of Mobile Bay. There’s also a museum on the property, where visitors can learn about the history of the fort and see war memorabilia.
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