Explore Spanish Fort + learn about the city’s history
Reading time: 4 minutes
When someone asks a Spanish Fort local where they’re from, we tend to say “just across the bay from Mobile.”
This city is a growing one, though, and more people from Alabama are beginning to recognize the city’s name. In 2023, Spanish Fort was marked the eighth fastest growing city in the state by AL.com.
Keep reading to learn more about this ever-growing city in Baldwin County!
Spanish Fort’s history
Sitting roughly 15 minutes outside of the birthplace of Mardi Gras, Spanish Fort’s recorded history began in 1712 — following Jean-Baptiste Bienville of France’s founding of Mobile. It was originally the site of a French trading post during their occupation of Mobile; the “original trading post” sign can now be found on the southeast corner of the intersection of U.S. Highways 98 and 31.
Here’s a timeline of the city’s history after its establishment:
- 1763: The Treaty of Paris was signed + a large portion of land on the Gulf Coast, including the land Spanish Fort now occupies, was ceded to the British
- 1774 – 1783: American Revolutionary War
- 1780: Battle of Charlotte; the Spanish took Mobile + built a Spanish military fort atop the French trading post
- 1781: The Spanish military fort was the site of a counter attack by British forces dispatched from Pensacola, Fla.
- 1812: At the conclusion of the War of 1812, Spanish Fort was officially the United States’ property
- 1861 – 1865: American Civil War; Spanish Fort was heavily fortified as an eastern Confederate defense for the Mobile area
- 1865: The Battle of Spanish Fort took place from March 27 – April 8, with Union Forces capturing the fort on April 8
- 1993: Spanish Fort was officially established as a city
Locally-owned restaurant recommendations
Trattoria Pizza and Italian in Spanish Fort is a spot beloved by Spanish Fort locals. Since 2014, this locally-owned business has been providing guests with delicious Italian cuisine + a warm atmosphere.
- Hours: Tues. – Thurs. + Sun, 11AM to 9PM | Fri. – Sat, 11AM to 10PM
- Location: 11611 US-31, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
- Website
- Recommendation: Their pizza + “World Famous” garlic ballz
Our second recommendation is Ed’s Seafood Shed, which is described on their website as “Southern food with soul.” On Their hospitality, infamous “Yo Mama’s Platter” (featuring enough food to feed a family) + their iconic Bushwackers will have you making return visits.
- Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 11AM to 8:30PM | Fri., 11AM to 9PM | Sat., 8AM to 9PM | Sun., 8AM to 8:30PM
- Location: 6450 US-90 Suite J, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
- Recommendation: Ed’s Famous Gulf Shrimp + fries
For fun
Eastern Shore Lanes, located in the Eastern Shore Centre, is a popular spot for locals + tourists alike to visit. It features:
- Bowling
- Laser tag
- Arcade games
- Pool tables
- A bar and grill
- Ropes course
- Climbing wall
- A golf simulator
Their late night hours set them apart from other local businesses.
- Location: 10460 Eastern Shore Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
- Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 9AM to 12AM | Fri. – Sat., 9AM – 1AM | Sun., 11AM to 12AM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
Historic Blakeley State Park is a great stop to make for any nature + history lovers. With campsites, walking + biking trails, boat tours of the Delta + more, this is a cheap way to spend the day in Spanish Fort.
- Location: 34745 AL-225, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
- Hours: Mon. – Sun., 8AM – Dusk
- Pricing: Adults, $5.00 | Kids 6-12, $3.00 | Kids Under 6 + Veterans and Active Duty Military, Free
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
Shopping
The Eastern Shore Centre often attracts shoppers from other local cities + those on their way to the beach. Their variety of restaurants + stores is wide, making it a great stop for the whole family. Their website can be found here.
Here are some of their merchants:
- The Pink Velvet Boutique
- B Darlin Boutique
- Ware Jewelers
- Stock & Trade Design Co.
- Tortuga Adventure Golf
- Classy Threads Formal Wear
- Jumpin’ Jellybeans
- Premiere Cinema
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