HistoricFort Gaines

Last checked: 24 October 2026

Visiting Fort Gaines

• Address: 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 — the east end, next to the ferry landing.
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Admission: $10 adults (13+), $5 children (5–12). Group rates available.
• Phone: 251-861-6992
• Getting there: five minutes from the Dauphin Island bridge, at the far east tip. The Mobile Bay Ferry lands right beside it, which makes it the natural first stop if you arrive by water.

Why this fort matters

Fort Gaines was begun in 1821 and named for General Edmund Pendleton Gaines, a hero of the War of 1812. It was built to guard the western side of the mouth of Mobile Bay, with Fort Morgan holding the eastern side across the water. The two forts were designed to work together: any fleet trying to reach Mobile would have to pass between them.

In August 1864 that is exactly what happened. During the Battle of Mobile Bay, Admiral David Farragut ran his fleet through the channel, past the forts and the minefield the Confederates had laid. His order in that moment is remembered as "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." The Union fleet won the day, and Fort Gaines surrendered shortly afterward — three of its own guns had already been knocked out of action.

What is actually there

This is a compact site rather than a sprawling one, and the pleasure is in walking it slowly.

• The ramparts and cannons. Brick walls with original guns still mounted, looking straight out over the water the fleet came through.
• The tunnels. Connecting passageways survive in good condition and are the part most people remember. They are cool, dark and low in places.
• The view. From the top you can see the bay mouth, the ferry crossing and Sand Island lighthouse on a clear day.
• Museum, gift shop and blacksmith shop. Small exhibits on the fort's history and the battle, plus a working blacksmith shop.

Practical notes

• Go in the morning. It is cooler, the light is better on the water, and the tour groups have not arrived.
• Shade is scarce. Bring water and a hat. The fort is exposed on the ramparts.
• Watch small children on the stairs. The ramparts and tunnel steps are steep and unguarded in places.
• Combine it. The Alabama Aquarium is two miles west on Bienville Blvd, the bird sanctuary sits between them, and the East End beach is a short walk away.

While you are on the east end

The east end holds most of the island's history and nature in a small area, so fort day is easy to plan:

• Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab → — the four habitats of coastal Alabama under one roof.
• Audubon Bird Sanctuary → — over 100 acres of maritime forest, a short drive west.
• Indian Shell Mound Park → — ancient oyster middens under live oaks.
• Mobile Bay Ferry → — forty minutes across to Fort Morgan, and the best view of the bay you will get.
• Where to eat → — most of the island's restaurants are within a few minutes.