Fort Morgan Alabama Civil War Mystery Ship
Monday, March 30th, 2009
Civil War-era Wooden Ship Near Fort Morgan, AL
(Fort Morgan, AL) Is it a blockade runner from the Civil War? Was it already aground when Union Admiral David Farragut entered Mobile Bay in the late summer of 1864? In 2008 Hurricane Ike uncovered a greater portion of a 150-foot long wooden ship long-buried in shifting sands. Locals and Civil War buffs have seen this historic treasure before — just after the winds of Hurricane Ivan blew away its protective sand blanket. Drive to Mile Marker 6 on the Fort Morgan Road (Alabama Highway 180), which is part of the Alabama Scenic Byways Program. Fort Morgan Road (officially the Dixie Graves Parkway) can be accessed from Alabama State Highway 59 in Baldwin County, or take the Mobile Bay Ferry from Interstate 10.
The Alabama Gulf Coast is rich in history — Native American, British, French, Spanish and many others have explored, settled and often fought over the coastal waters and fertile fields for generations. One battle, however, is well-known to even the least interested history student, and usually for a most famous quote: “Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!”
It’s time for Thunder on the Gulf! The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association brings “NASCAR on water” to Orange Beach, AL, August 16-19.