VisitAlabamaBeaches
Discover the History of Alabama's Beaches
Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States
Sugar-white, sandy beaches that are well-kept and gently washed with turquoise-kissed Gulf waters are something we probably take for granted. But when visitors ask, it’s reminiscent of walking through the years with Alabama’s Beaches, explaining why so many choose to visit over and over with the same prideful voice as a brand-new mom.
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Orange Beach, Alabama, United States
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach haven't always been the popular beach towns that they are today. Discover the rich history of Alabama's Beaches.
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Gulf Shores was first occupied by Native Americans, then Spaniards in the 1500s.
Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States
Gulf Shores' history includes a strong influence of Native Americans (Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Cherokee) followed by Spaniards in the early 1500s.
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The Spaniards originally built Fort Morgan, which was then rebuilt in the 1800s.
110 AL-180
Gulf Shores, AL
Monday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
These Spaniards came to the current-day Gulf Shores area and were responsible for building Historic Fort Morgan (which was rebuilt in the 1800s), an important factor later on in the Civil War.
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Fort Morgan was used during several battles, including the Civil War.
110 AL-180
Gulf Shores, AL
Monday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Along with nearby Fort Gaines, the two sites hosted many conflicts between the Union and Confederate soldiers and sailors, both looking to control the harbor entrance. Both forts still stand strong today and attract visitors to explore their tunnels and barracks.
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In the early 20th century, Gulf Shores was primarily a fishing town.
Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States
Gulf Shores' main industry during the early 20th century was fishing.
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In 1937, the Intracoastal Waterway was completed bringing more people to the area.
Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States
It’s interesting to note a couple of events that lured folks to the Gulf Shores area, helping to increase the population. The Intracoastal Waterway was completed in 1937, encouraging commercial trade and activity such as travel and other import/export opportunities. The 3,000-mile inland waterway runs along the Atlantic Coast as well as the Gulf.
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A few years later, Gulf State Park opened, showing that this town offered more than just fishing.
Gulf Shores, AL
Monday:
Open 24 hours
Tuesday:
Open 24 hours
Wednesday:
Open 24 hours
Thursday:
Open 24 hours
Friday:
Open 24 hours
Saturday:
Open 24 hours
Sunday:
Open 24 hours
A few years later, Gulf State Park opened in 1939, sparking a realization that this small fishing village had a lot to offer, especially with the Intracoastal Waterway in place.
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Orange Beach was originally settled by Native Americans.
Orange Beach, Alabama, United States
Orange Beach – founded similarly to Gulf Shores and with original settlers being Native American.
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Early industries included forestry, turpentine, naval store production, and a shingle mill.
Orange Beach, Alabama, United States
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After forestlands were depleted, orange groves were planted giving the town its name.
Orange Beach, Alabama, United States
The late 19th century saw the depletion of the forestlands in the area. They were replaced with orange groves, and there is the name origin for Orange Beach! Unfortunately, Orange Beach freezes were too much for the groves and by 1926, the citrus crops were no longer in the area.
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By 1926, the crops were gone due to cold weather but the name had stuck.
Orange Beach, Alabama, United States
Unfortunately, Orange Beach freezes were too much for the groves and by 1926, the citrus crops were no longer in the area.
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Orange Beach now boasts the largest charter fishing fleet along the Gulf Coast.
27651-27871 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL
Today, Orange Beach has the largest charter fishing fleet on the entire Gulf Coast.
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Over the years, tourism developed into the main industry and paved the way for dozens of businesses to open.
17401 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL
Monday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 AM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 AM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 AM
Thursday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 AM
Friday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 AM
Saturday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 AM
Sunday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 AM
Tourism developed into the main industry over the years following the completion of the Intracoastal Waterway, and in 1993, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism was created to help promote the gorgeous destination. Today, vacationers visit the area to enjoy some of the most gorgeous beaches in the United States – and, I would argue, in the world! Charter fishing and boating are still a highlight for locals and visitors in Orange Beach, along with water recreation. Restaurants are plentiful, offering fresh seafood catches in farm-to-table venues that are mostly casual and serve the entire family. Several notable restaurants in the area have been around for over 60 years!
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Several of these restaurants are still open today!
101 E Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL
Monday:
10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday:
10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday:
10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday:
10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday:
10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday:
10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday:
10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Restaurants are plentiful, offering fresh seafood catches in farm-to-table venues that are mostly casual and serve the entire family. Several notable restaurants in the area have been around for over 60 years!
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Now, Alabama's Beaches welcome millions of visitors to its shores each year.
Orange Beach, Alabama, United States
Today, vacationers visit the area to enjoy some of the most gorgeous beaches in the United States! Charter fishing and boating are still a highlight for locals and visitors in Orange Beach, along with water recreation.
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You can learn more about the area at The Gulf Shores Museum & Orange Beach History Museum.
244 W 19th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
The Gulf Shores Museum is a wealth of Alabama's Beaches history demonstrated through exhibits in an inviting atmosphere. There is also a butterfly garden and a popular summer youth program. Since 1995, the Orange Beach History Museum has highlighted the rich fishing and Native American history of the beloved beach town. Families of early fishermen in the area have donated vintage collectibles and supplies from their angling relatives to the museum.
VisitAlabamaBeaches
Swipe up to discover more about the beginnings of Alabama's Beaches.
Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States
Learn more about the early beginnings of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.