THUNDER ON THE BAY MAY 4-5

May 4th, 2002

MAY 4-5, 2002 (NOON)

In celebration of Mobile's 300 years of history, join the Sixth Alabama Cavalry Regiment and the USS Hartford/CSS Tennessee for the re-creation of the largest naval battle of the War Between the States. The Mobile Tricentennial Committee proudly sponsors the legendary Battle of Mobile Bay. For the first time in 138 years, witness the entire conflict from start to finish. The murky waters of the Bay will be invaded by a flotilla of tall ships representing Admiral Farragut's Union fleet. Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, and the small Confederate naval squadron, anchored by the mighty ironclad ram CSS Tennessee, will attempt to stop them.

The event includes the Fort Morgan bombardment, the naval battle, the siege of Fort Morgan, the Fort Gaines bombardment, the beach landing of Federal troops, and the fight for Fort Gaines. Dazzling land, sea and aerial pyrotechnics lend breathtaking realism to all battle sequences. Up to two thousand re-enactors from across the country will be staging this pivotal Civil War Battle, with companies traveling from as far away as Northern California.

The public is invited to witness this authentic re-creation from land or sea. The best views for the entire battle will be available at either Fort Gaines or Fort Morgan. Call 251-342-4386 for more information.