Summer Begins With A Bang

The traditional start of summer begins on Pleasure Island this Memorial Day Weekend. The weather should be perfect, with highs in the low 80’s and lows in the upper 60’s.
My favorite activity on Memorial Day is a trip to Fort Morgan, where they fire a Civil War era cannon each Memorial day. Since 1834 Fort Morgan has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay. The military site and National Historic Landmark is located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores. During the Civil War on August 5, 1864, Fort Morgan played a key role during the Battle of Mobile Bay before surrendering to Union forces after a two-week siege. Alabama's largest permanent military post between 1900 and 1923, the fort served during the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II. Fort Morgan became well known during the Civil War, when Union Admiral D.G. Farragut lead a fleet to close the bay. During the attack, the U.S.S. Tecumseh struck a mine, and in the confusion, the fleet hesitated under the guns of Fort Morgan, prompting Farragut to order "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!". The fort continued as a coast artillery post until after World War II. It’s a great place to visit while you’re in our area.
Don’t forget to take a moment Monday to remember our brave men and women in uniform that have fought to give us the freedom we enjoy.