Fort Gaines – Mobile County, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Address:
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528
(251) 861-6992
Website
Tour Information
Fort Gaines, initially established to bolster the nation's security, encountered numerous challenges in its early years. Situated perilously close to Mobile Bay, the original fort grappled with water intrusion during high tide. Additionally, land rights disputes posed a hurdle, though the military eventually secured ownership of the island.
In 1853, a new engineer, appalled by the dilapidated state and outdated plans, advocated for a fresh start. Consequently, a completely new fort, as envisioned by this engineer, was completed in 1858.
The Civil War marked a pivotal period for Fort Gaines, serving as a central hub for blockade running. The turning point occurred in 1864 during the Battle of Mobile Bay, where Union Army commanders, Admiral David Farragut and Major General Gordon Granger, directed a fleet of fourteen ships to close down the fort.
Despite the vigorous defense from Fort Gaines, Admiral Farragut issued the memorable order, "Damn the torpedoes! Full steam ahead!" The Union forces prevailed, and Fort Gaines surrendered, avoiding hand-to-hand combat.
Throughout its history, Fort Gaines played roles in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, adapting to various military needs. Presently, the Coast Guard maintains a base at Fort Gaines, ensuring its continued service.
Tragically, the site witnessed the deaths of many, with approximately 1,800 casualties in the Battle of Mobile Bay alone. Dubbed "Massacre Island," it is no wonder that the fort is shrouded in the eerie presence of angry, restless spirits.
Numerous visitors and employees have reported encounters with apparitions of former Confederate and Union soldiers roaming the grounds, some captured on film by paranormal investigators. Another spectral figure, identified as a soldier, is said to trail individuals within the fort until they exit through the front gates, leaving an unmistakable presence behind. Ghostly phenomena, including chilling cold spots and unexplained footsteps, add to the haunting ambiance.
The MTV show "Fear" even delved into the paranormal at Fort Gaines, recounting sightings of a Native American woman draped in animal skins and blood. The show shed light on the harrowing events, revealing that storms on Dauphin Island sometimes wash up more bones of departed soldiers. Particularly tragic was the revelation that a collapsed tunnel entombed Native American slaves, chained together and buried alive, their remains never removed. The show also detailed the grim fate of soldiers drowning in an underground pipe during a desperate attempt to escape the fort when high tide unexpectedly flooded their route.
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| Photograph ©Andrew C. Bennett |
Address:
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528
(251) 861-6992
Website
Tour Information
Fort Gaines, initially established to bolster the nation's security, encountered numerous challenges in its early years. Situated perilously close to Mobile Bay, the original fort grappled with water intrusion during high tide. Additionally, land rights disputes posed a hurdle, though the military eventually secured ownership of the island.
In 1853, a new engineer, appalled by the dilapidated state and outdated plans, advocated for a fresh start. Consequently, a completely new fort, as envisioned by this engineer, was completed in 1858.
The Civil War marked a pivotal period for Fort Gaines, serving as a central hub for blockade running. The turning point occurred in 1864 during the Battle of Mobile Bay, where Union Army commanders, Admiral David Farragut and Major General Gordon Granger, directed a fleet of fourteen ships to close down the fort.
Despite the vigorous defense from Fort Gaines, Admiral Farragut issued the memorable order, "Damn the torpedoes! Full steam ahead!" The Union forces prevailed, and Fort Gaines surrendered, avoiding hand-to-hand combat.
Throughout its history, Fort Gaines played roles in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, adapting to various military needs. Presently, the Coast Guard maintains a base at Fort Gaines, ensuring its continued service.
Tragically, the site witnessed the deaths of many, with approximately 1,800 casualties in the Battle of Mobile Bay alone. Dubbed "Massacre Island," it is no wonder that the fort is shrouded in the eerie presence of angry, restless spirits.
Numerous visitors and employees have reported encounters with apparitions of former Confederate and Union soldiers roaming the grounds, some captured on film by paranormal investigators. Another spectral figure, identified as a soldier, is said to trail individuals within the fort until they exit through the front gates, leaving an unmistakable presence behind. Ghostly phenomena, including chilling cold spots and unexplained footsteps, add to the haunting ambiance.
The MTV show "Fear" even delved into the paranormal at Fort Gaines, recounting sightings of a Native American woman draped in animal skins and blood. The show shed light on the harrowing events, revealing that storms on Dauphin Island sometimes wash up more bones of departed soldiers. Particularly tragic was the revelation that a collapsed tunnel entombed Native American slaves, chained together and buried alive, their remains never removed. The show also detailed the grim fate of soldiers drowning in an underground pipe during a desperate attempt to escape the fort when high tide unexpectedly flooded their route.