We the People: Colonial Fort Conde

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Long before the big buildings and Port City as we know it -- there was Fort Conde.

“What drives me is to understand our present and to do that you have to understand our past,” said Kyle Williams, Curator of Living History at History Museum of Mobile and Colonial Fort Conde.

Founded in early the 1700s by the French -- Fort Conde would change hands over the years -- to the British -- then to Spain -- before America. You’ll notice the flag flying outside today is not always the same.

“This is our newest exhibit here this is our Royal Warehouse,” explained Williams.

The exhibit highlights French trade and commerce in the early days.

“Mostly importing wine and flour for bread... And exporting mostly deer skin and tobacco and a little bit of indigo,” explained Williams.

Also on display is the importance of trade with the Native Americans -- and not just guns -- but sought after everyday items.

“The Native Americans loved nic-nacs like mirrors -- they loved mirrors. They had never seen images of themselves unless it was in water,” said Williams.

The much smaller replica built in the 1970s -- showcases the story of Fort Conde. It opened to the public in 1976.

“These are materials under the glass that were excavated,” said Williams.

They host a lot of school visits.

“Mostly 4th grade... Because 4th grade is when you receive your Alabama education,” said Williams.

There’s also live reenactments as demonstrated to us by a colonial actor shooting a rifle.

They attract visitors from all over the world, especially French Canadian.

“The people in Montreal and the Quebec region they have an affinity for Fort Conde and for our French heritage. They say we learned about this in grade school and when we get here it looks exactly like our fort in Quebec,” said Williams.

And if they want to see the real thing -- take a few steps across the street.

“You’ll see the monument that was built by the city -- but these bricks right here are our last remnant of Fort Conde. The rest of it was taken down to build homes and to build businesses and at the base of Water Street,” explained Williams.

As we celebrate America 250 -- Fort Conde is set to open a half-century time capsule -- buried 50 years ago when it opened in 1976.

“We don’t know what’s in it -- so when the public comes and views it with us -- we are going to be just as surprised as they are as what’s in it,” said Williams.

They are set to open the time capsule the weekend of the July 4th. The celebration will also consist of a re-enactment of the Battle of Fort Charlotte.