Fort Gaines, Alabama
Across from Fort Morgan, on Dauphin Island is Fort Gaines. We spent half a day on Dauphin Island and decided to visit this fort too in order to compare it to Fort Morgan and also just because we like forts!
Construction on Fort Gaines began in 1819. The project was afflicted with problems one of which was its cost and it wasn’t until 1853 that work really started and it was mostly completed by 1861. The fort was different for us visitors in that you could tell what the different areas and rooms had been used for. The museum had many different artifacts and there was also a room that had letters written during the civil war and the war for independence.
This fort was definitely in really good condition and was interesting to tour even though I still liked the wildness of Fort Morgan.
We first toured the top of the fort which was a little stressful with a 2 year old so I was glad when we visited the different rooms and areas at the base of the fort.
We got the boys some kepis, one of each side of the civil war and discussed a little bit of the war with them.
The signs were very informative and well placed. The boys wished that there were no Christmas decorations because they thought it made it look less authentic.
At the end of our self guided tour (the pamplet gave a brief history and a detailed explanation of each numbered are) we walked to the bay where the pelicans were hanging out.
I am very grateful that we take these opportunities to visit some historical places when we are on vacation. I hope that my boys will have good memories of all of the places that we have visited over the years.
A bientôt!
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15 Comments
Jennifer
I”m glad you had a good time!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
jodie filogomo
I think we learn WAY more going to these places and seeing them in person, than just reading it in a book. You’re such a great mom!!
XOOX
Jodie
mimifce
Thanks Jodie. The kids like it and we like it too!
Teresa
I laughed at the “flushing the latrines”. My grandparents had an outhouse. It was a two seater. I never could figure out why you would want a two seater?!
mimifce
Never seen a two seater outhouse! That is funny!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I love learning more about the civil war. Your boys are so lucky you take them on all of these educational trips!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
mimifce
Thanks, Carrie! It’s something we all enjoy!
Mica
Looks like such a fun and interesting place to take the kids to! There is a fort in Brisbane we keep meaning to go to but something else always comes up – we really need to try one day!
Hope that you are having a good week 🙂 We have a Christmas party today I’m really looking forward to!
mimifce
It’s always easier to visit things on vacation: there are many things in Atlanta we should visit but never do!
Laura Bambrick
Visiting historical places is so much fun! It’s a great way to learn about it!
mimifce
And boys with forts and canons! A great match!
Shelbee on the Edge
Very cool, Mireille! I love visiting historic places like this. Kind of creepy, but very cool!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
mimifce
Oh it is fun! The best is the old medieval castles/fortresses in France! Some have some really cool stories associated with them.
Tarequl
Lovely ideas and I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article and I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.
mimifce
Thanks, Tarequl! I love sharing some of the places we have discovered.