Alabama (Part 2) – USS Alabama & Mobile

The Mobile Bay area has a rich museum culture. In the northern part of the Bay, we visited three outstanding attractions: the USS Alabama in Battleship Memorial Park, the History Museum of Mobile and Colonial Fort Conde.

Battleship Memorial Park

In an amazing demonstration of foresight and an outpouring of community support, the people of Alabama purchased the USS Alabama battleship before it was going to be sent to the scrap yard. The campaign to save the battleship included donations from corporations and individuals, including an eighth of the funds from schoolchildren around the state. In 1965, the Battleship Memorial Park became the permanent harbor for the state’s namesake battleship and a memorial of modern military history.

The park also displays aircraft and the submarine, USS Drum.

The first part of the museum is housed in an airplane hangar:

Some of the historical posters and photos displayed:

Exit the aircraft pavilion and begin the ship tour.

The USS Alabama Battleship served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of operation during World War II. The floating museum gives visitors a chance to climb all around an actual battleship. Several color coded tour paths lead visitors through the different areas of the ship from stem to stern and crow’s nest to boiler rooms. It was an exhilarating day on board!

The main deck.

This ship is gigantic!

Climbing around the ship.

Life on board the USS Alabama:

More aircraft and military equipment on display outside:

Surrounding the museum and ships is a beautiful park like setting with a small pier. Picnic pavilions are situated among the military equipment and have a terrific view of the USS Alabama as well. We couldn’t resist a picnic in such a special place!

Mobile

Many areas of Mobile are being restored and one of the most beautiful areas of revival is the area around the History Museum of Mobile. Built in 1855 to be the city market and offices of government, the ornate Italianate building practically glows in the Old Town section of Mobile. Inside, the interactive, audio, visual and artfully designed exhibits span the 300 year history of of the city from the Colonial era to slavery, World War II, Civil Rights movement, and the origination of Mardis Gras.

Carriage exhibit included street sounds of horses, wheels, crowd noises, etc.

Mardi Gras history – Mobile was the first city to celebrate Mardis Gras with parades and pageantry.

Mardi Gras exhibits were outside as well.

“The Vikings” Exhibit

Colonial Fort Conde

Across the square from the history museum is the reconstructed Colonial Fort Conde – also known over the years as Fort Louis, Fort Charlotte, or Fuerta Carlota. Originally built in 1723 by French explorers, the Fort provided defenses for the city throughout the following two centuries. The views of the city and bay from the battlements were spectacular.

Felix’s Fish Camp

We stopped at a seafood restaurant that has been serving the Mobile Bay area for over fifty years. Felix’s Fish Camp was a labyrinth of entrance ways, dining rooms and alcoves. It was the perfect place to watch the pelicans outside playing in the protected marshland while sipping sweet iced teas. Our delicious meal included seafood gumbo and our first taste of fresh caught Redfish. We were hooked!