Damn the Torpedos….. Fort Morgan, Alabama

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During our recent vacation to Alabama we went to Fort Morgan State Historic Site which guards the entrance to Mobile Bay.

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There has been a fort there since before the War of 1812. There is a small information packed information packed museum on site that tells the story. Wikipedia also has information on Fort Morgan. The fort consists of over 40 million bricks most set with slave labor.

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The Fort was important in the War of 1812 and the Civil War, and the Spanish American War, and was manned during both World Wars. I. During all that time the the fortifications were added to and modified so it is quite an extensive area.

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There are lots of underground chambers that are pretty spooky. If only they could talk.

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It was here during the Civil War during the Battle of Mobile Bay that Union Admiral Farragut uttered, “Damn the torpedoes, ull speed ahead!” Torpedoes back then were actually remotely actuated mines. Anyway, it is unclear whether he actually said it or not. But it makes a heck of a story.

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Where the Battle of Mobile Bay raged exists now the huge Mobile Bay Gas Field. It, Fort Morgan, and the surrounding area seem to coexist rather well.

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18 thoughts on “Damn the Torpedos….. Fort Morgan, Alabama

  1. Sylvia K

    I’ve read so much about this interesting place and your photos are terrific! I’d love to visit there! Hope your week is off to a great start!

    Sylvia

  2. Impulsive Addict

    And when did you go here? You’re quite the traveling guru who knows more than me about history. I barely passed history with a C+. C’s weren’t allowed in my house. This made me hate history even more. I’m also not very good with geography. I just recently found out that England was an island. Give me Math, English, Reading, Writing, Science and I’ll be a happy girl.

  3. Alyssa

    Love this kind of stuff!!! I’m sort of a closet history buff. You should stay at the Battle House hotel in Mobile. You’d love it!

    This is very cool!

  4. Martha Z

    I don’t believe we’ve been to Fort Morgan but it must be a standard design for it looks familiar.
    SPB looks quite tall in this shot, before long he will be taller than you, Yogi.

  5. Janie

    Interesting! I’ve been through Mobile dozens of times and never visited this fort. Now I know what I need to see next time I make a trip through the area.

  6. Arija

    A beautifully presented post of this historic site. excellent shot of the arched chamber set into the hillside. Was that an ammunition store?

  7. Genie

    I am tickled to learn where Damn the Torpedoes comes from. I learn something new each and every day. Loved all the photos of the fort and the info. This is one I have not been to, but have seen many in my 72 years. You can tell it has seen a lot through the years. genie

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