Where is Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island, Alabama?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

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

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 NameFort Gaines
LocationDauphin Island, Mobile County, Alabama, USA
Latitude & Longitude≈ 30.2488° N, 88.0750° W
Built / EstablishedConstruction begun 1821; major phases completed by 1857 under engineer Joseph G. Totten
Named AfterGeneral Edmund Pendleton Gaines
Managed ByDauphin Island Park & Beach Board
RegionGulf Coast — Eastern tip of Dauphin Island, guarding entrance to Mobile Bay
Address109 (or 51) Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
Zip Code36528
Time ZoneCentral Time (CST / CDT)
Purpose / Concept19th‑century masonry coastal fortification / harbor defense
Features / StructureFive-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 SignificancePlayed 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 / ModificationsUpgraded 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 StatusHistoric site / museum — open to public for tours, reenactments, educational events
Opening Hours9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
Admission FeeAdults (13+) ≈ US$10; Children (5‑12) ≈ US$5 (varies slightly by source)
Tour OptionsSelf‑guided tours, guided group tours (with advance notice), cannon firings, blacksmith demonstrations
Threats / Preservation IssuesOngoing 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 / AccessNearest major airport: likely Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), plus road access via bridge & ferry to Dauphin Island
Official Website / Info Sourcehttps://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)