Dauphin Island is home to sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of fun activities for visitors of all ages. The island is rich in history and culture and is a popular destination for travelers from all over. Here is a brief overview of the island’s history.
Dauphin Island could first be seen on crude maps around 1519 as Spanish explorers circumvented the island calling it “Isla de San Feliz”. By the late 1600’s though, it became part of the Louisiana colony as it was being settled by the French. The French began calling it Ile Dauphine and used the island as a port to offload heavy cargo ships that were too large or too heavy to enter Mobile Bay.
The French settlement was short-lived, however, as the island was captured by the Spanish in 1702 during the War of Spanish Succession. The Spanish held onto the island for nearly two decades before ceding it to England following the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War in 1763’s Treaty of Paris.
The British took control of Dauphin Island in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War and held it until 1813 when it was captured by US forces during the War of 1812. The island changed hands several times over the next few years before finally being annexed by Alabama in 1821. That same year, the U.S. government began building Fort Gaines on the Island to protect Mobile Bay. This fort played a pivotal role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War.
Today, Dauphin Island is a popular tourist destination known for its history as well as its beaches, fishing, and bird watching. If you’re ever in Alabama, be sure to add Dauphin Island to your list of places to visit! Here are 5 things to do and see on Dauphin Island, Alabama.
The fort was built in 1821 and played a vital role in the Civil War. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the area and see the fort up close. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Fort Gaines.
Fort Gaines was built in 1821 and was originally named Fort Bowyer. The fort was used during the Civil War as a Confederate stronghold. It was also used as a prisoner-of-war camp for Union soldiers. In 1864, the Union Army bombarded the fort with over 400 cannonballs and explosives. The fort sustained major damage but was later repaired by the Confederate Army.
The fort was subsequently captured by the Union Army in 1865 and remained under Union control until 1867. During this time, the fort was used as a storage facility for supplies and munitions. In 1867, the fort was returned to the Confederacy and renamed Fort Gaines. It remained under Confederate control until 1868 until it was abandoned altogether.
It is one of the best-preserved forts from the Civil War era and offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like during that time period. The fort is also home to a museum that contains artifacts from the Civil War era.
Whether you take a tour of the fort itself or explore the adjacent museum, you’re sure to come away from your visit with a greater understanding of this important time period in our nation’s history.
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is one of the premier research facilities in the United States. But did you know that it also has an excellent public aquarium? The Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a great place to learn about the local marine environment and see some amazing creatures up close. Here are just a few reasons why travelers to Dauphin Island should make sure to add the Aquarium to their itinerary!
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a world-renowned research facility. The Aquarium offers visitors a chance to learn about the cutting-edge marine science being conducted by Sea Lab scientists. There are often special programs and talks featuring guest scientists from around the world.
When you visit the Aquarium, you are supporting marine conservation. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is dedicated to protecting and preserving our oceans and the creatures that live in them. Your visit helps fund critical research and education programs that make a real difference for marine life all over the world. So come on down and learn more about our oceans – and have some fun too!
Tucked away on the West end of Dauphin Island, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a nature lover’s paradise. The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals, making it a perfect spot for bird watching or just enjoying the peace and quiet.
One of the best things about the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is that it’s easily accessible to everyone. The Nature Trail is a paved, handicap-accessible path that winds through the sanctuary, providing visitors with an up-close look at the diverse wildlife that calls the sanctuary home. Along the way, you’ll find informative signage that tells you more about the plants and animals you’re seeing. The Nature Trail is also a great place to take photos; be sure to bring your camera along for the journey!
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places in Alabama for bird watching. There are more than 200 species of birds spotted in the sanctuary, including bald eagles, ospreys, brown pelicans, and American kestrels. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a peregrine falcon! The best time to go bird watching is in the early morning or evening hours when the birds are most active.
In addition to birds, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is also home to a variety of reptiles and mammals. Alligators, turtles, snakes, rabbits, and deer can all be found in the sanctuary. Keep your distance from the alligators—they may look calm but they can be dangerous!—and be sure to keep an eye out for other wildlife while you’re exploring.
Indian Shell Mound Park is home to the remains of an ancient Native American settlement, as well as a beautiful beach and nature trail. If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this is the perfect spot.
The first inhabitants of Indian Shell Mound Park were members of the Mississippian culture, who lived in the area from 800 to 1500 AD. They built massive mounds of shells and dirt, which were used for both ceremonial and everyday purposes. Over time, the mounds became covered with vegetation, and many were destroyed by development projects in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fortunately, one mound was preserved and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, visitors can see the remains of the ancient settlement at Indian Shell Mound Park. The park also features a beach, nature trail, picnic areas, and a playground. It’s the perfect place to spend a day relaxing with family and friends.
Dauphin Island has a long and rich history when it comes to fishing.
In the early 1800s, Dauphin Island became a major center for commercial fishing. The introduction of new technologies such as steam-powered boats and canning factories made it possible for fishermen to catch and process more fish than ever before. For many years, Dauphin Island was one of the leading producers of saltwater fish in the United States.
As commercial fishing declined in importance, recreational fishing became increasingly popular on Dauphin Island. In 1917, the first bait & tackle shop opened on the island and today there are dozens of businesses catering to tourists who come to fish off its shores. The most popular species sought after by anglers are speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and pompano.
Fishing is still an important part of life on Dauphin Island but it has largely shifted from being a commercial enterprise to a recreational one. Charter boats offer half-day or full-day trips for those looking to wet a line while enjoying all that this beautiful island has to offer.
Today, fishing is mostly a recreational activity enjoyed by tourists who come to take advantage of the bountiful waters off Dauphin Island’s shores. Whether you’re an experienced angler or someone who’s just looking to enjoy a day out on the boat, charter companies on Dauphin Island can tailor a trip that’s perfect for you!
Dauphin Island is a beautiful island with plenty to see and do. If you’re interested in history, be sure to check out Fort Gaines. Or if you just want to relax on the beach or enjoy some water activities, there are plenty of options for that too!
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Dauphin Island!
Source:
https://www.dauphinislandbeachrentals.com/things-to-do/fort-gaines/
https://whichmuseum.com/museum/historic-fort-gaines-dauphin-island-12828
Dauphin Island Sea Lab Declared “Official Aquarium of AL”
https://www.gsvacationrentals.com/blog/family-fun/why-you-need-take-ferry-dauphin-island-sea-lab
https://fishingstatus.com/fishing/destination/dauphin-island
https://www.dauphinislandbeachrentals.com/blog/guide-to-dauphin-island-surf-fishing/
http://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3360#:~:text=Dauphin%20Island%20is%20a%20barrier,state%20of%20Alabama%20in%201819.
