"Damn the Torpedoes" at the 145th Anniversary Celebration for the Battle of Mobile Bay

Gulf Shores, AL, July 25, 2009 --(PR.com)-- “Damn the Torpedoes” 145 years later as the Alabama Gulf Coast hosts the upcoming Battle of Mobile Bay weekend. Named to the Top 10 Events by the Alabama Tourism Department – which is celebrating the Year of Alabama History in 2009, this historic celebration is set for August 1st and 2nd.

“This year, we are commemorating the 145th anniversary of Union Admiral David Farragut’s fleet ran by the guns of Fort Morgan and subsequently onto victory in the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864,” said Blanton Blankenship, director of Fort Morgan State Historic Site. “Fort Gains on Dauphin Island surrendered on August 8th, and our fort held out until August 23rd.”

Activities at Fort Morgan will span Saturday (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday (8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and include artillery fire, infantry sharp shooting and presentations on the battle. Daily admission tickets are $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, $3.00 for children 18 and under and free to those under 6. A family pass for two adults and two children is $12.00.

While Fort Morgan is hosting two-days of events, Fort Gaines will welcome guests on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. After opening the day with a cannon salute, guests will hear oral accounts of the battle and historic fort music in addition to blacksmith demonstrations. Fort Gaines’ adult admission is $5.00 while children ages 5-12 are admitted for $3.00.

“These 10 events not only celebrate Alabama’s History, but also the history of our nation.” said Alabama Tourism Director, Lee Sentell. “When we select the top 10 events for the year we focus on those things unique to our state and that would be of interest to national and international media.”

Governor Bob Riley and the state tourism department kicked off the Year of Alabama History on December 12, 2008, at the state Department of Archives and History in Montgomery to coincide with the 189th birthday celebration of Alabama’s statehood. Locally, Baldwin County is celebrating its bicentennial anniversary throughout the year.

Other upcoming Top 10 Events include the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention (Oct 2-3, Athens), Moundville Native American Festival (Oct 7-10, Moundville) and Alabama Frontier Days (Nov 4-7, Wetumpka).

Previously held events consist of the “Year of Apollo” Kickoff Gala, Mardi Gras in Mobile, Bridge Crossing Jubilee, “Siege of Bridgeport” Reenactment, Eufaula Pilgrimage and the Bloomin' Festival Arts and Crafts Fair.

For more information, call Fort Morgan at 251-540-7127.

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