Historic Fort Gaines
As Admiral Farragut’s fleet of 14 frigates and four iron-clad monitors prepared to engage Forts Gaines and Morgan on August 5, 1864, Colonel Charles Anderson and his 800 Confederate troops were ordered to hold Fort Gaines at any cost. The Union monitor Tecumseh struck a torpedo and sank immediately. Seeing the screw propellers of the sinking Tecumseh turning in the air, Admiral Farragut bellowed, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Immediately after gaining safety in Mobile Bay, Farragut’s attention turned upon Fort Gaines. On August 8, Fort Gaines surrendered.
Getting There & Details
- Admission
- Admission charged
- Hours
- Open 9-5; group tour by appt.
- Address
- 51 Bienville Blvd.
- Phone
- 251-861-6992
- Website
- www.dauphinisland.org
- Map
- Get Directions →
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