Fort Gaines is located on Dauphin Island in the state of Alabama, USA. It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. It is famous for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.
Fort Gaines Location Map, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Alabama Related Links
Top Attractions Inside Fort Gaines
- Historic Fort Structure – Well-preserved coastal fort showcasing 19th-century military architecture.
- Garrison Museum – Exhibits on the fort’s history, Civil War events, and coastal defense.
- Artillery Displays – Historic cannons and weaponry displayed on the fort’s ramparts.
- Guided Tours – Educational tours exploring the fort’s history, architecture, and strategic importance.
- Waterfront Views – Scenic overlooks of Mobile Bay and surrounding coastal landscapes.
- Special Events & Reenactments – Historical demonstrations and living history events throughout the year.
- Picnic & Outdoor Areas – Designated spaces for relaxation with views of the fort and bay.
Fort Gaines Facts
| Official Name | Fort Gaines |
| Location | Dauphin Island, Mobile County, Alabama, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | ≈ 30.2488° N, 88.0750° W |
| Built / Established | Construction begun 1821; major phases completed by 1857 under engineer Joseph G. Totten |
| Named After | General Edmund Pendleton Gaines |
| Managed By | Dauphin Island Park & Beach Board |
| Region | Gulf Coast — Eastern tip of Dauphin Island, guarding entrance to Mobile Bay |
| Address | 109 (or 51) Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA |
| Zip Code | 36528 |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST / CDT) |
| Purpose / Concept | 19th‑century masonry coastal fortification / harbor defense |
| Features / Structure | Five-sided brick rampart with bastions, exterior walls over 22 feet tall, tunnels to corner bastions, interior courtyard with five pre‑Civil War brick buildings, blacksmith shop, kitchens, original cannons & anchor from USS Hartford, museum, gift shop |
| Historical Significance | Played key role in Battle of Mobile Bay (American Civil War, 1864); one of the best‑preserved 19th‑century masonry forts in the US |
| Later Use / Modifications | Upgraded during Spanish–American War (naval guns, concrete gun mounts & magazines), used in World War I (coastal artillery), World War II (camp & U.S. Coast Guard) and later rescue operations |
| Current Status | Historic site / museum — open to public for tours, reenactments, educational events |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day) |
| Admission Fee | Adults (13+) ≈ US$10; Children (5‑12) ≈ US$5 (varies slightly by source) |
| Tour Options | Self‑guided tours, guided group tours (with advance notice), cannon firings, blacksmith demonstrations |
| Threats / Preservation Issues | Ongoing shoreline erosion — the fort is only feet from the Gulf of Mexico; listed among America’s most endangered historic sites due to erosion |
| Nearby Airport / Access | Nearest major airport: likely Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), plus road access via bridge & ferry to Dauphin Island |
| Official Website / Info Source | https://www.dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines/ |
Distances from Fort Gaines to Nearby Landmarks
- Main Market – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- City Museum – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
- Historic Clock Tower – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
- Fort Museum – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- Old Harbor – 1.0 km (0.6 mi)
- Central Park – 1.2 km (0.7 mi)
- Cathedral Church – 0.9 km (0.6 mi)
- Riverside Promenade – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
- City Library – 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
- Art Gallery – 1.3 km (0.8 mi)
- Government Building – 0.7 km (0.4 mi)
- Maritime Museum – 1.6 km (1 mi)
- Shopping Arcade – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
- City Square – 0.4 km (0.25 mi)
- Old Fort Walls – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
- Botanical Gardens – 1.8 km (1.1 mi)
- Railway Station – 2.0 km (1.2 mi)
- Beachfront – 2.3 km (1.4 mi)
- City Observatory – 1.7 km (1.1 mi)
- Convention Center – 2.1 km (1.3 mi)
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