Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island, Alabama

When you are visiting Mobile in Alabama, then make sure to take a trip down to Dauphin Island. It has some nice beaches, but many more attractions as well and one of them is historic Fort Gaines.

Building of the fort began in 1821, but the island had been mapped already as early as 1519. The first colony was formed in 1699 due to plenty of timber, fresh water and great accessibility because of the harbor.

The location of Dauphin Island was ideal for defense during wars and over the course of the centuries the area changed hands many times; from France to Great Brittain to Spain and eventually it was seized back by what had become the United States.

Dauphin Island was sold by the United States to the city of Mobile in 1926. The city gave it to the Alabama Department of Conservation, which deeded it to the Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board.

The island has many more attractions like Dauphin Island Sea Lab, The Estuarium public aquarium, bird sanctuaries, Dauphin Island Airport, boat ramps, a large public pier ideal for fishing, historics sites and several restaurants.

A ferry shuttles both vehicles and pedestrians back and forth from Fort Gaines to nearby Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores. There is a camping ground for RVs and tents and bycicle routes can be found all over the island.

It is an ideal place to go with children, but even without it is a great vacation destination.