History of Gulf Shores, AL  Southeast of Mobile, Alabama, Gulf Shores is part of the Mobile metro area and is located in Baldwin County. The history of the Gulf Shores area is as varied as the people who choose to visit its pearly shores and emerald waters, and the historic forts and military museums that are only minutes away from Gulf Shores are a testament to the area's role in maintaining the defense of our nation's coastline. In 1809, one decade before Alabama was admitted to statehood, Baldwin County was created by the governing body of the Mississippi Territory; the county seat was, and still is, Bay Minette. On December 14, 1819, Alabama became the 22nd state. "Alabama" was the name of a southern Native American tribe that lived in an area now recognized as central Alabama. One of the rivers in Alabama was named after the tribe, and the state derived its name from the river. Great Britain, France and Spain all had periods of control until the Mobile area was captured by U.S. forces in 1813. Alabama, as a state, did not have a flag until 1861, when a flag often referred to as the "Republic of Alabama Flag" was designed by a group of Montgomery ladies. After it was damaged by severe weather, the flag was removed from the Governor's office and replaced by the "Stars and Bars" flag and the "Stainless Banner" flags. The Alabama Legislature authorized the present Alabama state flag on February 16, 1895. It features a crimson Cross of St. Andrew on a field of white. In all, six flags have flown over the coastal community. Located in Spanish Fort, just off of state highway 225, Historic Fort Blakely is one of the oldest towns in Alabama. Settlers including Josiah Blakeley, for whom the town was named, arrived from New England in 1814. Chartered three times, once by the Mississippi Territory, again by the Alabama Territory, and then finally by the State of Alabama in 1820, Blakeley was a metropolitan center of activity, whose population rivaled Mobile, AL, in 1820. Shops, churches, hotels, beautifully constructed homes, and the first County Courthouse of Baldwin were all integral features of Blakeley. After 1930, the onset of yellow fever and land speculation drove settlers towards Mobile, and the town died out. During the Civil War, the town was resurrected and renamed "Fort Blakely"; at one time, the fort housed an army camp of approximately 4,000 soldiers. However, after 1865 Blakely was once again defunct, and vestiges of the bustling town that once was have disappeared into the vast foliage that designates Blakely as "the South's loveliest ghost town." In 1981, the area was designated as Historic Blakeley State Park, and in 1995, it was added to the Civil War Discovery Trail that ties over 300 sites in 16 states. Fort Morgan, located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores on State Highway 180 West, is one of America's National Historical Landmarks. The construction of this large brick fort began in 1819 and was completed in 1834. It survived four wars: the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. The area was a place of defense even before the building of the fort; the Spanish used Fort Morgan in the 16th century and then rebuilt it in the early 19th century as protection against Native Americans. Several of Fort Morgan's original buildings such as the lighthouse and officers' housing have been restored. The area is now designated as a museum and guests are offered information and insights by guides and actors who explain Fort Morgan's varied history. The top of the fort provides an excellent view of the bay where, in 1864, Confederate and Union forces battled for control of the harbor entrance. Fort Morgan gained notoriety for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War when Union Admiral Farragut issued the famous order, "Damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead!" For visitors who wish to get the full tour of the area, a ferry runs year round from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island, where Fort Gaines is located. Located just minutes away from Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island features historic Fort Gaines. Dauphin Island and Mobile Bay were first put on the map by Alonzo Pineda in the early 16th century. Over a hundred years later, the French explorer, Pierre Le Moyne de'Iberville, visited the island and called it "Massacre" due to the numerous human skeletons he and his crew found. Abundant wood, fresh water, and an outstanding harbor made "Massacre Island" the center of operations for French colonization along the Gulf Coast, and soon the little island bustled with private development and new settlers. The island's gloomy name was replaced by the French in 1707 to honor the heir to the French throne, "Dauphin." At this time, Dauphin Island was the capitol of the Louisiana Territory, which covered nearly two thirds of the United States. The construction of Fort Gaines began in 1821, shortly after the war of 1812, when it became apparent that the United States needed better shoreline defenses. The fort is named after General Edmund Pendleton Gaines, who first attained recognition when he captured former Vice President Aaron Burr, accused of conspiracy and treason. General Gaines earned further respect through his prowess during the War of 1812 and the Indian Wars and was known to be a capable, honest military leader. Fort Gaines saw activity again during both World Wars and is now a Coast Guard base that assists in crash rescue boat operations. The more recent history of the Gulf Shores area features less military than meteorological activity. In 1979, a catastrophic hurricane swept away many of the island's man-made structures. Occasional seasonal storms cause some worry in the local inhabitants, but tourism still flourishes. With today's technology and convenient means of travel, visitors are kept up-to-date on the latest storm warnings and are free to enjoy the pleasures that the unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural history, and family-oriented activities that Gulf Shores has to offer. Gulf
Shores Museum Fort
Morgan Historic Site Fort
Gaines Historic
Blakeley State Park Orange
Beach Indian & Sea Museum
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