FORT MORGAN, Ala. — With Saturday mornings reenactment of the Battle of Mobile Bay drawing near, living historians spent Friday settling into camp at the historic Fort Morgan site at the mouth of Mobile Bay, preparing tents, gear and uniforms for a weekend meant to bring 1864 back to life.
Among those setting up were Matt Penhale of Birmingham and Pete Smith of Lineville, two members of a Confederate reenactment unit who have spent years portraying soldiers from the era. Penhale, who serves as captain of the 31st Alabama Infantry, said he has been reenacting for nearly eight years. For this particular event, however, he and Lieutenant Smith stepped into different roles, representing the 1st Alabama Artillery rather than their usual infantry positions.
Penhale explained that the switch reflects how soldiers actually served during the historic siege of Fort Morgan, when troops were commonly trained in both artillery and infantry roles rather than sticking to a single specialty. Reenactors aim to mirror that flexibility during the weekend event, which typically combines elements of naval battle, infantry maneuvers and artillery demonstrations all within a compressed two-day schedule. Organizers and participants alike work to keep the details, from uniforms to tactics, as historically accurate as possible.
For Smith, the appeal of reenacting comes down to a mix of interests: a love of history, time spent outdoors, and the chance to meet fellow enthusiasts from around the region. He is one of roughly 10 to 15 members who make up the 31st Alabama Infantry, a group that travels to a number of reenactment events throughout the year. The unit portrayed Confederate troops at a Gettysburg reenactment the previous year and had plans to head to Atlanta the following month, though for that event they would trade their gray uniforms for blue, taking on the role of Union soldiers instead.
Fort Morgan, perched at the entrance to Mobile Bay in Baldwin County, remains one of the best-preserved Civil War-era fortifications on the Gulf Coast and continues to draw visitors and history enthusiasts who want a firsthand look at the site where the actual 1864 battle unfolded. Weekend reenactments like this one give visitors a chance to walk among tents and encampments, watch demonstrations, and talk directly with reenactors like Penhale and Smith about the history behind the uniforms and equipment on display.