Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users, offer unsubstantiated facts or are offensive in nature will be removed as defined by the Terms of Service. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."
Updated: Wednesday, 18 Mar 2009, 5:59 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 18 Mar 2009, 4:20 PM CDT
DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. - Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island is facing a new battle and the outcome could affect the future of the historic Fort and the gulf coast.
Thousands of visitors make their way to Fort Gaines each year. Margaret Collier came over from Irvington to catch the blacksmith demonstration.
She said the last time she was here she noticed something shocking. "The tunnels that was built are starting to collapse in and they can't get the cement in to preserve it." she said.
During the Battle of Mobile Bay, Fort Gaines survived a barrage of artillery from soldiers, cavalry, and naval vessels, but now it's nature that threatens the historic Fort.
"Unfortunately, having stood up to I don't know how many hurricanes, and union forces over the years at the same time now the threat that we have to the erosion on Dauphin Island. This area of Dauphin Island is such that the ability to operate and maintain Fort Gaines, and even its existence is threatened." Henderson said.
Mike Henderson said the Civil War Preservation Trust has added the Fort to it's list of most "Endangered Battlefields".
The cause has attracted big names like Richard Dreyfuss who took part in a similar announcement in Washington DC Wednesday.
When we talk about erosion on Dauphin Island normally we're focused on the west end. But, the problem is even more evident on the east end.
Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier said the fact that the problem is getting national attention could lead to a solution that will benefit the Fort, the island, and the entire southern region.
"We're trying to paint the picture that this is not just Dauphin Island's problem. And we need to make it know. And whether we do it through economy, whether we do it through jobs, whether we do it through historical sites, we just got to eat the drums and get the message out that we're just not standing alone on this thing, because it's a bigger problem than we can handle as a small entity." Collier said.
Collier said the erosion battle is a fight the gulf coast can't afford to ignore or lose.
Dauphin island is studying a beach nourishment plan, and other on-term solutions to the erosion issue.
Email This
Print This
View Story on a Single Page