Gulf Shores Alabama History

Original settlers of the Gulf Shores area were the Creek, Chickasaw, Cherokee and Choctaw Native Americans. In the 1500s the Spanish constructed Fort Morgan. Rebuilt in the 1800s, the fort played a prominent role during the Civil War. Climb to the top for a view of the bay and imagine the raging battle between Confederate and Union naval forces for control of the harbor entrance. It was during this battle that Admiral David Farragut’s immortal words “Damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead” made history. Nearby, Fort Gaines also has a rich Civil War history and visitors enjoy re-enactments between October and May each year.

Located in the central northern gulf, Gulf Shores is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes. In September 1979, Gulf Shores received the full fury of Hurricane Frederic and the entire beachfront of the city was destroyed. The spirit of the coast prevailed and hotels, homes, restaurants and shops were rebuilt. Again in September 2004, Hurricane Ivan devastated the area. While rebuilding was still in progress, 2005 proved to be another catastrophic year. Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina impacted the area, although damage was not as severe as it was along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in New Orleans. Today, life at the beach is back to normal for the most part and there’s magic to living and playing along the beautiful coast of Gulf Shores, Alabama.