With thousands of visitors expected at Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines for a three-day commemoration marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay, local leaders hoped the weekend would deliver an economic surge along with an eye-opening history lesson.
The observance arrived during an already busy stretch on the coast, which was hosting vacationing families, concertgoers at The Wharf and youth baseball teams competing in a regional tournament at Orange Beach.
A boost for the coastal economy
“It is definitely having an impact,” said Herb Malone, president of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, who noted that even rental properties away from the beach were feeling the effect. Missy Zak, vice president of marketing for Meyer Real Estate, said the company’s 1,400 rental properties were trending at 93 percent occupancy, with the Fort Morgan peninsula itself near 89 percent and weekend promotions still available.
Restaurants braced for crowds as well. The event’s exclusive food vendor was Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill, based on the Fort Morgan peninsula.
Preservation with a long horizon
Stephen McNair, director of historic sites at the Alabama Historical Commission, hoped the commemorations would pay dividends for years. Sponsored by the commission and the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, the events were funded by a $400,000 grant, half of it directed toward long-term capital improvements at the historic properties.
“We have an obligation that we take very seriously to make sure that as much of that money stays local and makes as large an economic impact in Baldwin County as possible,” McNair said. At Fort Morgan, the improvements included safety upgrades ranging from new stairs and handrails to brick and mortar repairs, a new flagpole, entrance sign and walkways. “The safety repairs won’t be completed until early 2015 and we hope these repairs will last at least 50 years,” he said.
A weekend of battles and ceremony
McNair said he expected a total of 20,000 visitors over the three days, with a possible one-day peak of 10,000 for Saturday’s re-enactments. “Our objective is to make it as family friendly and exciting as possible but also as accurate as possible,” he said. “We feel that there’s truly something for every age and every interest level in the Civil War.”
Activities on the Fort Morgan side began Friday night with artillery firing at the Water Battery and period music performed by Bobby Horton. Saturday featured a commemorative ceremony and military salute, with music by the 151st Army Band and a keynote speech by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope, followed by the Siege of Fort Morgan infantry battle and an evening grand bombardment with artillery and aerial pyrotechnics. Sunday brought another infantry battle and a surrender ceremony that included a salute to the colors with Gov. Robert Bentley and his wife, Dianne.
Commemorations at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island began Saturday, with stories of Civil War photographer Matthew Brady, a period church service and a talk on Col. Charles Anderson, commander of Fort Gaines.
From a visitor’s perspective, Malone said the famed battle had always intrigued travelers, some of whom planned trips specifically to see Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. He called the weekend a “unique, one-time event.” Revenue from ticket sales at Fort Morgan was to benefit the Alabama Historical Commission, which owns and maintains the fort and surrounding park.