Hours of Operation and Admission
The Fort is Open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Fort will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Admission:
Children (Ages 5 -12) are $5.00
Adults (Ages 13+) are $10.00
Group rates are available.
To schedule a group tour, please contact Melinda Oalmann at 251-861-6992.
History of the Fort
Built in 1821, the Fort is most famously known for its contributions in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. It includes over 3 million bricks, and being located on the tip of the peninsula where there is no clay, every single brick had to be made, and then transported to around the bay
What brought Fort Gaines great success is being coupled with its brother, Fort Morgan, which is located on the opposite peninsula. This allows the Forts to control the main channel to the bay, keeping the land, ports, and supply ships safe from enemy fire.
Fort Gaines was also crucial during the War of 1812 for helping the United States defend against the United Kingdom. The Forts are built in a star pattern. Fort Gaines’ main objective was to give shallow draft vessels a sheltered anchorage
