Battle of Fort Charlotte re-enactment marks America’s 250th anniversary

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Volunteer actors dressed in colonial-era clothing re-enacted the Battle of Fort Charlotte at Fort Conde this weekend, part of a series of events marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Fort Conde was known as Fort Charlotte during the American Revolution and was controlled by the British. The re-enactment depicted the battle between Spain and Great Britain.

Kyle Williams, Fort Conde’s curator of living history, described the experience for attendees.

“Some of them have characters — first person characters — you can’t speak to them unless you’re their commander,” Williams said. “It’s fantastic — it’s like a living theater.”

Connecting Hispanic communities to U.S. history

Begonia Santos, President and CEO of the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute, said Spain’s victory in the battle carries significance for the founding of the United States — and for today’s Hispanic communities.

“One of the messages is we want today’s Hispanic communities to feel connected to the foundation of the United States through their ancestors,” Santos said. “The more history we know the better we understand each other and the better the future will be.”

The America 250 Alabama organization was also present at the event. The group travels the state promoting events, exhibits, and programming related to the 250th anniversary.

Natalie Steed, executive officer of the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission, said the milestone offers a dual opportunity.

“This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate signing of the Declaration of Independence — but also that local Alabama history — that helped shape our nation,” Steed said.

Fort Conde holds re-enactments throughout the year and is open to visitors weekly. Click here for more information on events and hours.

Meanwhile for more information on America 250 Alabama click here.