Fort Morgan

Thanks to funding from SEA’s 2019 Elsaesser Fellowship, my Expedition continues...


Visit: www.CoastalWanderer.net for the complete project collection.

 Fort Morgan is located at the western end of Mobile Point In Gulf Shores Alabama, at the eastern terminus of the Mobile Bay Ferry route. Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines (discussed in another section) protect entry into the mouth of Mobile Bay.


Fort Morgan, a masonry "star" or bastion fort as discussed in my earlier works is located at the mouth of Mobile Bay in Alabama. Named for Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan, and built on the existing site of Fort Bowyer, which was involved in the final land battles of the War of 1812 as discussed under the headings of the "Battles of Bay Saint Louis and Lake Borgne. The fortification was completed, equipped and manned in 1834.

Original Plan for Fort Morgan - Courtesy of the National Archives


Following the departure of the Spanish from the area in 1813, the original fortification (Fort Bowyer) was constructed. The original fortification withstood a British attack immediately preceding their run on New Orleans. Following their defeat at New Orleans, the British returned in  1815 and launched a second attack later to become known as the "Second Battle of Fort Bowyer". After being captured by the British, but before they could continue their attack on Mobile, the British forces received word that the Treaty of Ghent had been signed thus ending the conflict. 


During the US Civil War,  Union naval forces commanded by none other than  David G. Farragut were able to get past the guns of Fort Morgan and enter Mobile Bay. After entering the bay, the US Forces captured the (Confederate States Ship) CSS Tennessee and CSS Selma, sank the CSS Gaines, also capturing Fort Gaines on the opposite side of Mobile Bay. 
US Forces under Gordon Granger then directed their full attention to the siege of Fort Morgan which fell after two weeks of constant attack by both land and naval forces. 


Used throughout the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, this fort clearly details the technological evolution of U.S. coastal fortifications through time.​​​​​​​

























Base Commanders and Doctors Housing

Breach Loading Mortar Emplacement

Powder Magazine

Battery Dearborn


Exterior Wall of Fort Morgan

Cisterns were located throughout the fort with catchment for water.

Mobile Bay Quarantine Docks use to inspect immigrants and cargoes coming into the U.S. through Mobile Bay

the Citadel (Barracks) of Fort Morgan after the fort's surrender -  - Courtesy of the National Archives





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