fort gaines

While visiting Mobile, we drove to Dauphin Island to visit Fort Gaines. Cost was very reasonable. When I first stepped out into the fort itself, I thought it might take about an hour to cover, but I was wrong as we were engaged almost 3 hours. We took a self guided tour using a map provided which included many areas with QR codes we could scan to learn more. A nice use of technology to enjoy a piece of history. We were pleased so much of the fort was open to go through, some in its original condition. There is a museum as well where I learned where the Union troops originated who came overland to fight (my home state in the Northeast) as well as the probable origin of the US dollar($) sign. In another section of the fort were very interesting first hand accounts of the battles for Forts Gaines, Morgan and Powell as well as an analysis of whether or not the words "Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead." were really uttered by the Union General Faragat as he sailed into battle or not. I was most interested in the disappearing guns and how they were lowered/raised for loading and firing.Given the age of this fort and all of its history, it is in remarkably good shape. The fall of this and other Confederate forts protecting the Bay into Union hands ended one of the last Confederate army supply routes through Mobile and helped bring the war to its ultimate end. Hence this is an important part of US history and worth a visit.

We enjoyed touring the fort. I probably would have given it a better rating but we had both visited numerous seaside forts so this wasn't anything new to us. If you haven't seen one. or don't know the history, definitely go!

We have been to several forts in the area and this one just did not have as much available as the others. A short video on the fort history would be a good addition. Much of the fort was not accessible because of renovations.

The fort is well preserved and very interesting especially for Civil War buffs. We walked the fort and fortifications using a self guided tour map which explained alot of the areas. A blacksmith was busy at the blacksmith shop and and answered all of our questions on how she made items. The main area of the fort was easy for us to manuever a wheelchair. I especially liked finding out about the disappearing guns. Take your time in the museum area and learn about the fort's history.

This is a great spot to visit with the family. Young children will love exploring while others will enjoy the history.

Interesting fort with Civil War relics. Some parts are starting to deteteriorate and now needs much repair. History buffs- you will love it.

I very interesting and well preserved fort. You can see the whole thing in about 1.5-2 hours. Could be difficult to get around for those in wheelchairs.

Fort Gaines is rather well preserved, especially when compared to Fort Morgan across Mobile Bay. It is quite an experience to stand in an original bastion where troops fired on the Union Navy during the Battle of Mobile Bay. There are two downsides. The historical information on the self guided tour lacks depth and context. Also, there is not a clear walking path. This is a must see for lovers of history.

We go here everytime we visit Dauphin Island. So fun to explore the fort. You can climb and hide all over. The best part is the blacksmith. It's amazing to see what he can make. If you get him talking, it's so interesting to hear what can tell you about the island and about black smithing.

Interesting historic Fort on Dauphin Island, AL for a quick outing. The kids might have fun learning about the historic significance of the Fort.

Okay! I will be perfectly honest about this! The area around the Fort was beautiful ! I enjoyed looking out at the Gulf, as well as the pretty trees and greenery just outside the Fort. (Things are dead and dreary in Oklahoma this time of year!) As far as the rest of it goes....it just wasn't my thing! My husband, on the other hand, really enjoyed it. He liked the self-guided tour, and all the things on display. What he liked the most was looking at the way the fort was built. The architecture was pretty impressive, especially considering the year it was constructed. It was built to last !! I guess it was pretty neat to actually see something like that in person. :)We would recommend it to our friends.

It seems a bit forgotten and out of the way and I would recommend it unless you happen to be in the area. lot of parking and just past the ferry.

we have been to other forts that I think was better...This one was just okay, Better signs letting you know things or an app would have helped. And keeping the fort clean and not so cluttered It seemed as if no one had done anything to keep it up in awhile.

This fort is one of the best I have seen, very beautiful. It's laid out perfectly so it is very easy to follow the self guided tour. You can climb around and really get the feel of the place. There are many plaques and signs that give great information. There is a very interesting little museum on site and the views are wonderful. The gift shop is hard to resist. I can't wait to go back

Best time to go is during summer when they do the re-enactment of the battle in Mobile Bay. Characters abound! As you can probably imagine. AND....they supposedly have ghosts...which could be a plus...or a minus. Nice place to sit and watch the dolphins. They regularly swim past this point on the island close to dusk.