Get cultured at the Mobile Museum of Art
on off off off

Get cultured at the Mobile Museum of Art

The Mobile Museum of Art is the largest museum along the Gulf Coast from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Tampa, Florida. With exhibits ranging from historical photography galleries to interactive sections with fun games, the museum is ideal for the entire family.

History | Read More »

History Comes Alive on the Coast

Located on the beautiful scenic coastline of southern Alabama, the Gulf Shores area has much to offer. Whether you're looking to get away from it all with an Orange Beach fishing trip or spend some time enjoying the stunning shorelines in one of our Fort Morgan vacation rentals, nobody does Southern hospitality quite like us.

As well as being one of the best places to relax, the Gulf Shores area is steeped in history. Originally settled by the Seminole Indians, the area is rich with tradition and overflowing with stories waiting to be told. Whether you're a Civil War enthusiast or just looking to learn more about the pivotal role Alabama played in our nation's history, Gulf Shores vacation rentals offer the perfect way to step back through time.

Fort Morgan

Located on Mobile Point overlooking Pelican Bay, Fort Morgan has a long and storied past. This star fort was named after Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan, a decorated soldier of the 11th Virginia Regiment and former U.S. representative.

The site was captured by Confederate forces on January 3, 1861, eight days before Alabama seceded from the Union. After securing the outpost, the Confederates fortified the defenses of Mobile Bay, making it almost impenetrable. In fact, Union forces were unable to breach the defenses until the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, one of the turning points of the Civil War. Fort Morgan was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

Perdido Bay

In Spanish, the word "perdido" means "lost," making the area aptly named as the entrance to the bay was notoriously difficult to find, even for experienced seamen.

The Spanish galleons that prowled the waters off the coast were regularly set upon by bands of pirates, and to this day, divers and treasure hunters continue to search for the jewels of Captain Billy Bowleg. Also known as Halpuda Mikko, which means "alligator chief" in Seminole, Bowleg was the leader of the Seminole tribe during the Second and Third Seminole Wars of the 1830s and 1850s. He was eventually defeated and forced to surrender at what is now Fort Myers, Florida.

With a world of history just waiting for you to explore, Gulf Coast vacations are the perfect way to learn more about our nation's history and enjoy the stunning scenery of coastal Alabama and Florida.

Related Articles

Go birding in Gulf Shores

Go birding in Gulf Shores

With some of the best golf courses in the world and more seafood to catch than you could possibly eat, the Gulf Coast is truly an outdoorsman's paradise. But did you know that one of the most popular area attractions is the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail?

Alabama's Gulf Coast celebrities

Alabama's Gulf Coast celebrities

Alabama's Gulf Coast was once the home to a number of American heroes, from musicians and athletes to political movers and shakers. Hank Aaron's childhood home and museum is in Mobile, and Jimmy Buffett has strong ties to lower Alabama as well.

Take a day trip to the Weeks Bay Reserve

Take a day trip to the Weeks Bay Reserve

There's so much for you to do in the Gulf Shores, Alabama area that you will have a hard time fitting everything in. But the Weeks Bay Reserve, which spans 6,000 acres from Weeks Bay to Mobile Bay, is a must for your vacation experience.

Mardi Gras in Mobile: Not your average Fat Tuesday

Mardi Gras in Mobile: Not your average Fat Tuesday

In Mobile, Alabama, Mardi Gras doesn't just take place on the one day before Lent - the county celebrates for weeks with numerous parades and balls throughout the area. The Conde Cavaliers, Order of Polka Dots and Mobile Mystics are only a few of the groups you can expect to celebrate with.

Exploring the history of Fort Morgan, Alabama

Exploring the history of Fort Morgan, Alabama

Between sessions of soaking up the rays on the beaches of Fort Morgan, Alabama, take some time to show your kids a little bit of history. The remnants of this historic fort illustrate the protective barrier used by soldiers during times of war.

Newest Articles

Fort Morgan: Gulf Coast vacation destination for history buffs

Fort Morgan offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun. Also take advantage of numerous chances to soak up some history, too.

March 13, 2013 - Fort Morgan | History

Explore the forts of the Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Islands National Seashore offers plenty of day trip activities that are perfect for history buffs - especially those interested in the Civil War.

February 28, 2013 - Perdido Key | History

3 things to do for free near Perdido Key

These three spots in Pensacola are worth adding to any Perdido Key vacation, but they may be especially appealing for thrifty travelers. They're free!

February 17, 2013 - Perdido Key | History

Location

Alabama Gulf Coast

Upcoming Events

  • May 22
    Baldwin County Heritage Museum Book Signing Spring Event
  • May 22
    Crimson Caravan
  • May 23
    2013 The Color Run 5k
  • May 23
    S’mores on the Shore
  • May 24
    100 Days of Summer Kick Off
  • May 24
    2013 6th Annual Youth Basketball of America Gulf Coast Challenge
  • May 24
    2013 USSSA Global State Baseball Tournament
  • May 24
    36th Annual MBGFC Memorial Day Tournament

Local Weather

weather icon 79º Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
Humidity: 78%
Wind: South 8mph

Weather information provided by wunderground.com

Last Updated on May 18, 6:15 PM CDT

Latest Video