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Fort Gaines

 


Fort Gaines is a historic fort located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, Alabama, guarding the entrance to Mobile Bay. Construction of the fort began in 1821 and continued through the Civil War, with later additions during the Spanish-American War. It's named after Edmund Pendleton Gaines, a brigadier general in the War of 1812.   

Historical Significance:

Fort Gaines is best known for its crucial role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 during the American Civil War. It was here, within sight of Fort Gaines, that Union Admiral David G. Farragut famously exclaimed, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" as his fleet advanced into the bay despite Confederate defenses, including underwater mines (then called torpedoes) and fire from Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan across the channel.  

The fort was garrisoned by Confederate troops who eventually surrendered to Union forces after the Union fleet successfully entered the bay and Union troops landed on Dauphin Island. The fall of Fort Gaines, followed by the surrender of Fort Morgan, effectively gave the Union control of Mobile Bay, significantly impacting the Confederacy's access to the Gulf of Mexico. 1  


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