Fort Gaines (1821-1946) - Construction on this Third System masonry fort began in 1821 but construction and funding problems prevented completion and a redesigned fort was started in the 1850's. Designed by Joseph G. Totten and named after Gen. Edmund P. Gaines in 1853. The fort was still incomplete in 1861 when the U.S. Civil War began. The fort was occupied by Confederate forces in 1861 and they finished the fort in 1862. Abandoned after World War I and reactivated during World War II it was abandoned after the end of World War II.
At the beginning of the U.S. Civil War in 1861 the Alabama State Militia seized both Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan from Federal troops. Fort Gaines remained in Confederate hands until 8 Aug 1864 when it was surrendered after the Battle of Mobile Bay to a Union fleet commanded by Adm. David Farragut. The Battle of Mobile Bay was the occasion for Adm. Farragut's famous order, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!", referring to torpedoes (mines) strung across the channel into Mobile Bay.
After we checked out the fort we got back into the car and headed towards the USS Alabama. Now we have passed the USS Alabama many times and we decided this was the day we were going to go tour it... BUT and it's a big one... while walking around Fort Gains, Ralph's leg behind his calf was in a lot of pain.
We think he hurt it a few weeks ago at the beach but it was feeling a lot better. When we got to the Battleship Memorial Park and we saw the ship we decided it was to much walking up & down for his leg and perhaps my knee. So we spent some time looking around at the planes & tanks in the park and once again decided to come back another time.
On the way out we stopped at the Meaher State Park only 4 miles down the road, to check out the campground for when we come back... it is FHU (full hook up) with 50amp. Very nice park!!!
Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!
11 comments:
sure hope that Ralph's calf is feeling better!!..take care of each other!..are you out of the Hurricane Irene area??
Don't want to be a scarey one, but Ralph may want to have that leg checked out -- there is always the possibility of a blood clot. They can be a danger. Looks like you are seeing some neat places, that we are unlikely to ever get to, so keep on looking and showing us! Thanks for sharing.
You don't have to see everything at one time, so I guess you'll have to come back another time. Hope Ralph's leg is feeling better. I also thought of a blood clot...just something to be aware of.
Have fun!
I plan to visit the USS Alabama this winter when I'm volunteering at MS Sandhill Crane NWR again. Now I'll also know to go see Fort Gaines. :)
I sure hope that leg heals up soon. It puts a real 'cramp' in what you want to see.
Good luck with that leg.........
Ralph should go have the leg looked at! It has been decided!
That's a nice looking state park. So sorry to hear about Ralph's leg. Hope it feels better now.
Gotta love those 50 A FHU places!! Home your hubbies leg gets to feeling better......
Wow I never even thought about blood clot! I agree...get yourself to the Dr. asap!
Great pics of the Fort & RV Park. Love that stuff! Thanks for sharing!
Judy ~ looking forward to your write-up on the USS Alabama.
Cheers! ~M
We really enjoyed exploring those forts the winter we stayed at Rainbow! They are really neat....lots of history!
Are you kidding me? You could post each and every time, photos of forts, and I'd never tire of them. I too like to visit historical places like this. And by the wing span, is that not a B-52?!! I so love 'em.
Good news and some MORE good news is my Friday post. Hope your weekend goes smoothly!!!
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