Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines is a military installation at the entrance of Mobile Bay featuring thick brick walls, bastions, gun emplacements, barrack buildings, and a lighthouse overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The compound extends across several levels and offers passageways, inner courtyards, and open platforms from which you can see the water and surrounding coast.

Construction began in 1821 to protect the coast and the port of Mobile, and the installation changed hands during the Civil War in 1864 after heavy bombardment by Union forces. In the following decades the fort remained operational until it later lost its military role and opened as a monument.

The fort honors an early governor in its name, and visitors today can walk through casemates where soldiers once lived and worked. The structure displays cannons and equipment from over a century ago, letting you see how a coastal garrison carried out its daily routines.

The fort opens throughout the year so you can visit the compound in different weather conditions, with guided tours and educational events taking place regularly. Those exploring the installation should wear sturdy shoes, as pathways can be uneven and outdoor areas may be exposed to weather.

America's Most Endangered Historic Places list includes this installation because storms and rising sea levels continually erode the foundations. Erosion has already claimed parts of the original grounds, so you can see sandbags and protective measures around the walls.

Location: Dauphin Island

Inception: 1821

Floors above the ground: 2

Website: http://dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines

GPS coordinates: 30.24833,-88.07694

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30