We arrived at Dauphine Island, Al. by Ferry ~ Part II

After we got off the ferry we had to go check out the fort we saw from the ferry. Fort Gains was another southeastern fort built to defend our country. Sadly it's biggest action was the Civil War. OK ~ I know another fort but we love historic forts and the history they hold inside.



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!!!

Ferry Ride Across Mobile Bay in Alabama

We got up early with good intentions of what we were going to do for the day. We had breakfast and headed out early to take the ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphine Island ~ then head over to the USS Alabama in Mobile ~ then go check out a State Park near there that we would like to visit another time. We made it to the Mobile Bay Ferry and lucky for us it was there and loading up. We were the last car to make it on, good we didn't have to wait at all! It is a small ferry that holds about 28 cars. I couldn't figure that out because there were about 20 on and it seemed crowded to me.



Only a little while after we pulled the car onto the ferry it began it's departure from Fort Morgan to Dauphine Island. It was a beautiful day and the waters were very calm and that was good thing.



As we chugged along we saw a lot of Natural Gas Rigs in the bay and surrounding areas. There was a big ship making it's way towards us... but it really didn't get that close!



We passed the other ferry and some fishing boats



Pelicans & Fort Gains... where during the battle at Mobile Bay in 1864, Rear Adm. David G. Farragut said the phrase "Dam the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead!!"



We traveled peacefully across the bay and finally reached out destination Dauphine Island



It was a fun trip and as we were waved off our plans for the day changed... to be continued!



Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!