Colonial Fort Condé - Mobile

Colonial Fort Conde in Mobile, Alabama, is part of the History Museum of Mobile. The historic replica fort features archaeological artifacts from Mobile's colonial past.

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Colonial Fort Condé

The replica fort is one-third the size of the original Fort Conde that was built in 1723 by French explorers.

Visitors can walk on top of the fort walls to see views of Mobile's skyline. Throughout the year, they have living history events, including musketry demonstrations in the courtyard on Saturdays.

There are remnants of the original fort on display in Mardi Gras Park across the street. They face Church Street and are easy to see. They were discovered during the construction of the Wallace Tunnel.

The Fort was known by different names, including Fort Louis, Fort Charlotte, and Fuerta Carlota (Fort Carlota).

Today's Fort Conde replica was opened as part of the nation's bicentennial celebration in 1976. One thing that surprised me was the exhibits and historic artifacts that are inside of the replica fort.

It isn't just a pretty fort exterior, there is a full museum within the brick walls that you will want to plan time to explore. The museum area includes archaeological pieces of Mobile's colonial past along with a timeline of Mobile's history.

Did you know Mobile was the capital of the French Louisiana colony? Fort Conde guarded Mobile from 1723 to 1820. It was named after Louis Henri de Bourbon who was the prince of Conde.

In 1763, the, English gained control of the colony and changed the name to Fort Charlotte. Fast forward to 1780 and the Spanish have control and change the name to Fort Carlota. In 1813 the fort is controled by U.S. troops and once again named Fort Charlotte.

The fort truly stood over Mobile, protecting the city with cannons over the Mobile River. It's hard to imagine a fort built with brick, stone, packed earth, and cedar timbers enduring so much history.

Over time, things calmed down, and the fort was dismantled. The current fort is significantly smaller than the 11 acres of land the original fort spread over. About one-third of the Fort was reconstructed, and at a four-fifths scale. 

There are historical markers on the outside of the fort designating significant moments in Mobile's history, including the Revolutionary War at Mobile (Siege of Ft. Charlotte 1780), How big was the original Fort Conde, Second Fort Conde Ruin, Mobile's First Jail, Damm the Torpedos, L'Arbre de Pau, Mobile's first Mardi Gras, and the Site of Mobile's first theater.

Why you will love Colonial Fort Condé

• Easy to get to in Downtown Mobile
• Fun for locals and visitors
• Great Mobile Things to Do for history buffs

Things to know when planning a visit to Colonial Fort Condé

You will need to check in at the Mobile History Museum across the street and pay admission before heading to Colonial Fort Conde.

Address - 150 South Royal Street, Mobile, Al 36602

Phone - 251-544-5480

Hours -  Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Check the History Museum of Mobile's website for information on living history events, historical interpreters, and classes in colonial arts & crafts. They also have musketry demonstrations in the courtyard weather and staff permitting.

Accessibility - The main level of the museum should be accessible. There is accessible parking across from the front entrance.

Plus Size Seating - There are a couple of picnic tables in one part of the courtyard.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, be prepared for the weather. If you decide to walk up to the top of the fort there is no shade or break from the Alabama Gulf Coast sun.

Inside the museum feels amazing on a hot day!

Pets - Pets are not allowed in the museum

Parking  - There is parking across the street from Fort Conde

Mobile Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Bistro Saint Emanuel - Just around the corner is a fantastic bistro with delicious food.

Knucklebones Elixer Co - Right across from Mardi Gras Park is a coffee shop with an epic vibe and great drinks.

Conde Charlotte House - Directly behind the fort is a fantastic Mobile historic house that showcases the history of Mobile. Built on the site of Mobile's first jail.

Exploreum Science Center - Right around the corner is a fantastic hands on science museum kids will love.

Mobile Tours

3 Day Mobile City Attraction Pass - Visit some of the top attractions in Mobile with this great attraction pass. Find out more here

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park - pre-purchase your entrance tickets to the USS Alabama here

Downtown Mobile Food Tour- Join an amazing food tour of Mobile's LoDa neighborhood with stops at some truly fantastic local restaurants. Book your tour here

Mobile Ghost Tour - An expert local guide will take you through the historic district of Mobile learning about the spine-chilling stories of spirits and the cities past. Book your tour here

Mobile Smartphone guided walking tour - Learn more about the historic of Mobile and the iconic attractions of downtown Mobile from this great walking tour app you can do at your own pace. Download the tour here