Fort Charlotte, located in Mobile, Alabama, boasts a rich and complex history, having been under the control of several European powers before finally becoming part of the United States.
A Succession of Flags
- French Origins (1723-1763): The fort was initially built by the French in 1723 and named Fort Condé de la Mobille, after Louis Henri de Bourbon, the Duke of Bourbon and Prince of Condé.
Its purpose was to defend the strategic port of Mobile and the surrounding French Louisiana colony from potential British or Spanish attacks. The original design was a seven-pointed star with significant earthworks. - British Control (1763-1780): Following the French and Indian War, Britain gained control of the region in 1763, and the fort was renamed Fort Charlotte in honor of Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.
- Spanish Rule (1780-1813): During the American Revolutionary War, Spanish forces under the command of Bernardo de Gálvez captured the fort in 1780. This victory was significant as it drove the British out of West Florida west of the Apalachicola River and reduced the British military presence in the region to Pensacola. Under Spanish rule, the fort was known as Fuerte Carlota.
The Spanish maintained control until 1813. - United States Control (1813-1820): In 1813, United States troops occupied Mobile, and the fort was once again renamed Fort Charlotte. However, by 1820, the fort was deemed no longer necessary for defense, and Congress authorized its sale and removal.

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