Welcome to Fort Morgan State Historic Site, a place where the echoes of history resonate with every step you take. Fort Morgan, located at the entrance of Mobile Bay in Alabama, is a testament to the strategic military needs that shaped its creation and evolution over the years.
The story of Fort Morgan begins with the War of 1812. At this site stood Fort Bowyer, an earthen fortification that played a crucial role in the war’s final land battles. The fort successfully withstood a British naval and land attack in 1814, known as the First Battle of Fort Bowyer. However, a subsequent attack in 1815 led to its capture by British forces, shortly before the Treaty of Ghent ended the war.
Recognizing the strategic importance of Mobile Bay, the United States began constructing a more formidable structure, Fort Morgan, named after the Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan. The construction, which began in 1819, faced several setbacks, including the deaths of its early contractors due to yellow fever. It was completed in 1834 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, with the labor of enslaved African Americans.
Fort Morgan’s most notable moment came during the Civil War. The fort was seized by Confederate forces in 1861, eight days before Alabama seceded from the Union. It became a pivotal site during the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864, when Union Admiral David Farragut famously declared, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” as he led his fleet past the fort’s defenses.
Throughout its history, Fort Morgan has adapted to the changing tides of warfare. It served in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, each time being modernized to meet new military challenges. Today, visitors can explore its expansive grounds, walk along the same paths trod by soldiers, and imagine the fort’s storied past.
As you wander through Fort Morgan, consider the lives of those who lived and served here. From the soldiers who manned its ramparts to the engineers who built its walls, every stone and cannon tells a tale of dedication and resilience. The museum on-site offers a deeper dive into these stories with displays of artifacts and personal accounts.
Fort Morgan stands as a remarkable piece of American history. Its walls have witnessed the bravery and strategic prowess that shaped the United States’ military history. Enjoy your journey through this historic landmark and let the stories of Fort Morgan enrich your understanding of our shared past.
