Mobile Bay officially traces its roots back over three hundred years, but people have been here long before that, living off the fertile land and the rich bounty of the Gulf. In 1702, the French recognized its significance and located the first capital of the Louisiana Territory here. Since then, Mobile Bay's history is splashed with growth, loss, triumph, battles, shipwrecks, hurricanes, celebrations and just about everything else in between.
As a port city, Mobile's influences were shaped by the diverse cargo and exotic travelers that consistently passed through. Their legacy is written across the area in art, architecture, food, religion and the names of citizens. Today, every visitor is affected in some way by Mobile Bay's past, even though they may not realize it.

The bitter conflict of the Civil War is deeply embedded in the heart of Mobile Bay's unique history. Witness the remnants of a valiant struggle for control. Take a self-guided tour of coastal Alabama's Civil War history and explore the stretch of the Civil War Trail that passes through our area. For history buffs, Mobile Bay is a priceless treasure.

The Mobile Bay Civil War Trail stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to north Mobile County - over 90 miles - and documents the Battle of the Bay (August 1864) and the Overland Campaign (March - May, 1895). It is your guide to the military movements and way of life on and around Mobile Bay. Each stop along the way offers a look into what the sailors, marines, and soldiers did and saw in their day.