Fort Morgan, Alabama – Stronghold of Mobile Bay
Perched strategically at the tip of Mobile Point, where the tranquil waters of Mobile Bay meet the expansive Gulf of Mexico, stands Fort Morgan, Alabama, a historical site brimming with tales of battles fought, defenses mounted, and a nation’s evolution. This impressive pentagonal bastion, a silent witness to centuries of American history, beckons visitors to step back in time and explore its storied past.
The story of Fort Morgan begins not with its imposing brick and mortar structure, but with a humble earthwork redoubt known as Fort Bowyer. In April 1813, during the War of 1812, the U.S. Army recognized the critical importance of Mobile Point as a strategic location. With the looming threat of British invasion, they hastily constructed Fort Bowyer to guard against potential attacks. Named in honor of Colonel John Bowyer, who oversaw its completion in 1814, the rudimentary fort served as a crucial line of defense.
The initial test of Fort Bowyer’s strength came on September 15, 1814, when it faced a joint assault by the British Navy and Creek Indians. This engagement, known as the First Battle of Bowyer, proved to be a resounding victory for the American forces. The earthen fortifications, seemingly fragile, withstood a barrage of cannon fire. In a stunning display of resilience, the American defenders managed to sink the British warship HMS Hermes, severely damage another, and repel the land-based attack by British marines and Creek warriors. The battle resulted in minimal American casualties – four killed and five wounded – compared to the significant losses suffered by the British, who counted 33 dead and 40 wounded. News of this victory reverberated across the nation, boosting morale and solidifying Fort Bowyer’s reputation as a formidable defense.
Major Lawrence, commander of Fort Bowyer, praised the courage and skill of his troops in a letter to Major-General Andrew Jackson, lauding their "coolness and intrepidity." His words captured the spirit of the American soldiers who, despite their inexperience, bravely faced a superior enemy force.
However, the triumph at Fort Bowyer was short-lived. In early February 1815, following their defeat at the Battle of New Orleans, the British returned with a significantly larger and more powerful combined land and naval force. This time, the odds were overwhelmingly against the American defenders. In what became known as the Second Battle of Fort Bowyer, the U.S. soldiers were forced to surrender. Although the British planned to continue their assault toward Mobile, news arrived that the Treaty of Ghent had been signed, officially ending the War of 1812. The British retreated, and Fort Bowyer was returned to the United States.
Recognizing the enduring strategic importance of Mobile Point, the U.S. government decided to construct a more permanent and robust fortification. Plans for the new fort began in 1819, but construction was delayed for several years. Eventually, the project was entrusted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Construction began utilizing primarily African-American slaves for labor. The laborious process was hampered by the limited availability of local materials. While brick and mortar were readily obtainable, essential components like finished granite, sandstone, ironwork, and cement had to be shipped by water from New York, adding to the time and expense of the project.
During its construction, the site was simply referred to as the "Work on Mobile Point." As completion neared, the fort was officially named Fort Morgan in April 1833, honoring General Daniel Morgan, a distinguished hero of the Revolutionary War. The impressive structure was finally completed in 1834. The pentagonal fort, a masterpiece of military engineering, boasted thick brick walls, fortified bastions, and numerous gun emplacements, designed to withstand heavy bombardment and deter potential invaders.
Despite its imposing appearance, Fort Morgan entered a period of caretaker status in 1842 and remained ungarrisoned until the outbreak of the American Civil War. In January 1861, as Alabama seceded from the Union, Southern troops swiftly seized both Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines, solidifying Confederate control of Mobile Bay. After the formation of the Confederacy in Montgomery in March 1861, Confederate forces occupied and further strengthened the defenses of Fort Morgan.
As the primary defense for the city of Mobile, Fort Morgan played a crucial role in protecting blockade runners attempting to enter Mobile Bay. The Confederates strategically positioned 18 of the fort’s heaviest guns to command the main ship channel, constructed redoubts and trenches to impede any land-based assault, and maintained a small flotilla to patrol the bay.
In August 1864, the Battle of Mobile Bay unfolded, marking a pivotal moment in the fort’s history. Union naval forces, commanded by Admiral David G. Farragut, famously disregarded the threat posed by Fort Morgan and navigated past its guns into the bay. After breaching the fort’s defenses, the Union fleet captured several Confederate ships and seized Fort Gaines. The Union forces then turned their attention to Fort Morgan, initiating a siege on August 9. For two weeks, the fort endured a relentless bombardment from both land and sea. Faced with overwhelming firepower and dwindling resources, Major Richard L. Page, the Confederate commander of Fort Morgan, was compelled to surrender on August 23, 1864. The Confederate losses amounted to 17 men killed.
Following its capture, Fort Morgan served as a valuable base for Union reconnaissance raids and as a staging area for the Battles of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, which occurred just days before General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, effectively ending the Civil War.
In 1895, recognizing the need to modernize coastal defenses, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers embarked on a project to construct a new fortification system at Fort Morgan. Between 1900 and 1923, the old brick fort was augmented with reinforced concrete batteries, providing enhanced protection against modern artillery. By this time, Fort Morgan had become the largest permanent military base in Alabama, housing a garrison of over 400 Coast Artillery soldiers. To support the expanded military presence, the U.S. Army Quartermaster Department constructed more than 100 structures, including barracks, officers’ quarters, and support facilities.
During World War I, Fort Morgan served as a training ground for over 2,000 troops, who were instructed in the use of modern artillery weapons. The Army also established a radio transmitting and receiving station at the fort, contributing to a nationwide Morse-code communication network. However, following the war, the number of troops stationed at Fort Morgan was steadily reduced, and the post was officially closed in 1923.
With the onset of World War II, Fort Morgan was briefly reactivated. In November 1941, the U.S. Navy reoccupied the post, followed by the Army in April 1942, who constructed an adjacent airfield. However, the fort’s role in the war was limited, and it was permanently closed in July 1944.
In 1946, the War Department transferred ownership of Fort Morgan to the State of Alabama. In recognition of its historical significance, Fort Morgan was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
Today, Fort Morgan stands as a captivating historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Its weathered brick walls, imposing bastions, and haunting tunnels whisper tales of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the American people. Visitors can explore the fort’s grounds, examine its impressive architecture, and learn about the pivotal role it played in shaping the history of the Gulf Coast and the nation. It stands as a lasting monument to the strategic importance of Mobile Bay and the enduring legacy of those who defended it.