Blakeley, human settlement in Alabama, United States of America
Blakeley is a ghost town and archaeological site in Baldwin County where a once-thriving river port now shows only ruins and street outlines beneath the forest. Large oak trees, an old cemetery, and scattered stone remains mark where buildings once stood.
Blakeley was founded in 1814 by Josiah Blakeley and quickly became the first county seat and a major river port. Yellow fever epidemics decimated the population in the 1820s, and during the Civil War the site served as Fort Blakeley, where one of the war's final battles occurred in April 1865.
Blakeley reflects the presence of Native Americans, French settlers, and the Christian Apalachee who lived here across centuries. The old cemetery and remaining oak trees serve as markers of how different communities shaped this place over time.
The site is accessible with trails through the archaeological area and along the Tensaw River, including a boardwalk at the waterfront. Plan for several hours to walk through the ruins and cemetery, and wear comfortable shoes as the ground is wooded and uneven.
A large oak tree at the site is known as the hanging tree, said to have been used for public executions long ago. The tree still stands today as a silent witness to a darker chapter in the place's history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
