"Basaic Dauphin Island Page" Top 5 Page for this destination Dauphin Island by Basaic

Dauphin Island was mapped by Alonzo Pineda as early as 1519. It was settled by the French around 1699, then control of the island swieched to the British, then the Spanish, then the US then back to the British and finally back to the US.

Estuarium

Today Dauphin Island is home to some pricey real estate and several attractions. Fort Gaines was built here starting in 1819. Fort Gaines is famous for its participation in the Civil War battle where Admiral Farragut uttered the phrase "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!". There is also a nice Estuarium, and a nice beach.

Shell Mounds Park Trail

Shell Mounds Park is a small park on the island where evidence of prehistoric human habitation was found. It has a short hiking trail with interpretive signs about the habitation. This park is also listed as a fine destination for birdwatching.