July 28, 2005
Alabama's Dauphin Island- Not Dolphin Island
It's not dolphin island, but Dauphin Island, that is an almost undiscovered beach resort along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The small island is connected to the mainland by a bridge built as recently as 1952.
Dauphin Island was named for the wife of King Louis XIV's son. Her name was Dauphine 
of France. The history of the island spans centuries and six flags have been planted on the white sandy beaches of this barrier island just off the coast of Mobile, Alabama. In 1999 Dauphin Island celebrated its Tricentennial.
Dauphin Island was first mapped by Alonso Pineda is 1513. Later in 1699, Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, a French explorer claimed the island for his king, Louis XIV, and named it a very pleasant "Massacre Island" for the large pile of human bones found there. He decided to establish a colony here despite the ominous findings. Shortly thereafter (1707) it was renamed to its current appellation. During this time, the colony thrived and soon became the headquarters for exploration and colonization of the Gulf Coast and served as capital of the Louisiana Territory.
Dauphin Island is a small barrier island near the mouth of Mobile Bay. Its location serves to help protect the entrance to the bay from not only natural intrusions, but also human. From its early history it has proven to be a very strategic location.
What's Going on at Dauphin?
The main road on the island is only seven miles long so everything on Dauphin Island is nearby. The attractions of the island range from bird watching at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary to golfing on the 18-hole public course to visiting a historic fort to, of course, enjoying the white sandy beaches. Gift shops and seafood restaurants offer leisurely time away from the other activities and a taste of the local cuisine.
Charter boats are available for sightseeing and fishing excursions. Sunset cruises around the island are a great way to enjoy the views and to see the island's attractions from a different 
vantage point. Fishing charters are available from the full service marina. Try for a trophy or enjoy a catch in one of the seafood restaurants on the island. There are two fishing piers on the island- one is free. The public fishing pier is located on the east end of the island. Dauphin Island Fishing Pier is located near the main beach area on the southerly facing side of the island. This pier is 850 feet long and has a tackle shop and concessions available. Surf fishing for flounder and crabbing are popular at Dauphin also.
The Audobon Bird Sanctuary is composed of one hundred sixty acres of woodlands with a fresh water lake. There are many trails throughout the sanctuary to allow the birdwatcher opportunities to observe numerous species of bird and butterfly. The varied habitat within the sanctuary is the pine forest, live oak and magnolia trees, swamp and, of course, the beach and shore birds. Annual bird migrations cause the sanctuary to become a highly visited refuge for both bird and birder.
The Estuarium and Dauphin Island Sea Lab is 
an important point of interest on the eastern end of the island. The Estuarium is an aquarium and interpretive center of sea life and exhibits demonstrating the four key habitats of coastal Alabama- the delta, Mobile Bay, a barrier island, and the shore. There is a ten thousand square foot exhibit hall. Outside is a boardwalk over a living marsh.
Fort Gaines has a long history. The idea of a fort at this location was born during the War of 1812, when it occurred to America that this was a potential vulnerable area. Construction began on a fort in 1821. Years of engineering difficulties and considerable expense finally passed and during the Civil War, the fort saw military action. The famous Battle of Mobile Bay is Fort Gaines proudest moment. Union boats attempted to run the gauntlet between the two Confederate forts guarding the entrance to Mobile Bay (Morgan of the east and Gaines on the west). During the raging battle, the Confederates sank one of the Union ships (the USS Tecumseh). It struck a mine (known in the Civil War days as a "torpedo"). The Union fleet commander (Admiral David Farragut) issued his famous command to his ships, "Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!"
As an outcome to the Battle of Mobile Bay, the Confederates eventually surrendered on August 7, 1864. This was the only action Fort Gaines experienced.
There is a campground on the Island- called oddly enough, Dauphin Island Campground. There are 150 sites with electricity and water and 70 sites with sewer. A campground store with bicycle rental and games. Free boat launches and a boardwalk to a secluded beach on the Gulf. The campground is near the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, so there are walking trails available.
Getting there
There are two ways to get to Dauphin Island- one by land and two by sea. The land route is by way of Mobile and the connecting bridge. From Interstate 10 through Mobile, take Exit 22 and the Dauphin Island Parkway, which is Alabama Highway 163 South. Highway 163 ends at Alabama Highway 193. Follow Highway 193 and the signs to Dauphin Island south. The island is about twenty-five miles south of Mobile. After the long bridge between Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay is crossed, the island of Dauphin is at hand. Highway 193 ends on the island. The east west Bienville Boulevard crosses the island and leads to attraction on either end of Dauphin Island. To the west at the intersection are the beach rentals, condominiums, main beach and fishing pier, golf course, and restaurants. To the east are the campground, Fort Gaines, the Estuarium and sea lab, and the ferry- the only other way on or off Dauphin Island.
The Mobile Bay Ferry connects Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores. The ferry runs daily every hour and a half beginning at 8 a.m. The trip across the bay is about forty-five minutes. The ferry fares are $10 per auto, plus $4 per person inside the vehicle. RVs cost $25 per trip. Round trip fares are available for autos at $25 including passengers.
For more information:
Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 5
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
1-334-861-5524
1-877-532-8744
http://dauphinisland.cc/
Dauphin Island Home Page
http://www.gulfinfo.com/ditown/
Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Boulevard
P. O. Box 369-370
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
1-251-861-2141
http://www.disl.org
