These days, Fort Morgan is known for sugar-white sand, salty breezes, and toes in the water—but did you know it was once a key player in the Civil War? Before beachgoers claimed their spots, cannon fire echoed across this coastline. Now pour yourself a glass of sweet tea and settle in—we’re about to uncover some downright fascinating facts about Fort Morgan’s past.

Fort Morgan Was the “Guardian of Mobile Bay”

Long before sunscreen and flip-flops became standard attire around here, Fort Morgan was built to protect Mobile Bay, one of the South’s most important ports. Completed in 1834, this brick-and-mortar beauty stood tall at the entrance of the bay, ready to defend the heart of the Gulf Coast.

When the Civil War came knocking, the Confederacy took over Fort Morgan in early 1861. From there, it played a major role in controlling access to Mobile Bay—standing firm like a watchdog on the front steps, keeping a sharp eye on everything coming and going.

The Battle of Mobile Bay—Where That Famous Phrase Was Born

Now this one’s a doozy. If you’ve ever heard the saying “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”—well, you can thank Fort Morgan (and a gutsy Union admiral) for that colorful piece of American lingo.

In August of 1864, Union Admiral David Farragut led a bold assault to take back Mobile Bay from Confederate control. The Confederates had mined the waters with underwater explosives they called “torpedoes” (not the kind you see in submarine movies today, but still deadly). As Farragut’s fleet hesitated under heavy fire, the admiral supposedly shouted that now-famous phrase and charged forward.

Talk about grit. The Union ships pushed through, the Confederate fleet was defeated, and Fort Morgan came under siege just days later.

Fort Morgan Didn’t Give Up Without a Fight

The battle wasn’t over after Farragut’s charge. Fort Morgan’s Confederate defenders held out under heavy bombardment for over two weeks before finally surrendering on August 23, 1864. And let me tell you—they didn’t go quietly into that good night.

Union forces pounded the fort with over 3,000 shells during the siege. Some of those cannonballs are still on display today. And if walls could talk, Fort Morgan would have some tales that’d make your hair stand on end.

Soldiers Sweltered in the Heat—Just Like Us

If you’ve ever wilted in the Alabama summer heat, you’re not alone. Soldiers stationed at Fort Morgan during the war had to deal with oppressive heat, biting mosquitoes, and humidity so thick you could cut it with a butter knife.

They wore wool uniforms, too—not exactly breathable fabric. Throw in some long days, limited rations, and the occasional yellow fever outbreak, and you start to realize just how tough those fellas really were.

Fort Morgan Wasn’t Done After the Civil War

You’d think after all that, Fort Morgan might’ve retired its uniform. But nope—she stuck around. The fort was reactivated during both World War I and World War II, serving as a training base and coastal defense site. Though its glory days as a military powerhouse are long gone, its walls still stand, weathered and wise.

Today, visitors can walk through the same tunnels and ramparts where soldiers once marched, climb the bastions for a Gulf view, and even attend reenactments that bring the Civil War to life (minus the cannon fire, of course).

It’s One of the Best-Preserved Sites of Its Kind

One more little nugget before we go: Fort Morgan is one of the best-preserved coastal forts in the country. That’s thanks to folks who knew a good thing when they saw it and worked hard to protect this piece of living history. In fact, the fort was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

So next time you’re down this way, whether you’re on a family vacation, romantic getaway, or just need a break from the hustle and bustle, carve out time to walk those old brick paths. This isn’t just any old beach town—it’s a place where history and hospitality meet, where cannonballs once flew and now only seagulls soar.

Plan Your Visit (And Don’t Forget Your Camera!)

Fort Morgan is open year-round, and it’s an easy drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You can explore the museum, tour the fort, and maybe even catch a living history event if the timing’s right.

Want to learn more about the area or find the perfect place to stay while you explore? BEACHBALL PROPERTIES offers everything from cozy cottages to spacious Gulf-front retreats—each one full of Southern charm and just minutes from the action. Book your stay with us and experience the best of Fort Morgan, past and present.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson