The 147th Commemoration of the Battle of Mobile Bay will be held at Saturday, August 6 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the park at the end of Fort Morgan Road (AL Hwy. 180). Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-18 and free for children under 6. (Active duty military and families also admitted free.)
To read more about the history of this event, see our feature article: No “Petty” Battle
The Commemoration: Lots of Reasons to Attend!
Michael Bailey, cultural resource coordinator at Fort Morgan, said events at the park are growing in significance leading up to the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay in 2014. So far this year the fort has marked other Civil War-era events such as the peaceful seizure of Fort Morgan from the federal government by Alabama troops in January.
Bailey said the schedule for Aug. 6 is as follows:
· 8:30 a.m. – Raising of colors (the Confederate Second National Flag, which flew in August 1864)
· 10:30 a.m. to noon – Drilling and firing artillery (32-pounder and 6-pounder)
· 9:30 to noon – Rifle firing by reactors
· 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Second round of artillery firing
· 3:30 to 4 p.m. – Second round of rifle firing
· 4:30 p.m. – Lowering of flag
Throughout the day will be living history exhibits of soldiers and laundresses, along with two non-firing artillery pieces. Also, guides will give oral histories of the Battle of Mobile Bay.
The Mobile Bay Ferry will operate all day between Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. A concession stand will sell hot dogs, snacks and drinks throughout the day.
For more information, call the Fort Morgan Museum at 540-7127.
To get there:
From Mobile (or take ferry — https://www.mobilebayferry.com/— from Dauphin Island)
– Take I-10 E toward Pensacola – go 16.5 mi
– Take exit #44/LOXLEY/BAY MINETTE onto N HICKORY ST(AL-59 S) toward Gulf – go 28.6 mi
– Turn Right on HWY 180 – go 19.9 mi
– Arrive at the center of FORT MORGAN, AL
From Pensacola
– Take FL 292 W to Alabama line – go 19.8 mi
– FL 292 W becomes AL 292 W – go 10.6 mi
– Turn Right on Gulf Shore Parkway (AL-59) – go 1.1 mi
– Turn Right on HWY 180 – go 19.9 mi
– Arrive at the center of FORT MORGAN, AL
Thanks Coast360.com for the info on this fun event!
