Blakeley State Park
⚔️ The Last Battle of the Civil War — Site of Alabama’s largest Civil War battle, 20+ miles of trails through Mobile-Tensaw Delta wilderness, Confederate fortifications, ghost town ruins, kayak launch, camping, and cabins on the Gulf Coast
On April 9, 1865 — the same day Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia — thousands of Union soldiers launched one of the war’s final and fiercest assaults against Confederate fortifications at Fort Blakeley, Alabama. The Battle of Fort Blakeley was the last major battle of the American Civil War, involving nearly 45,000 troops in a dramatic twilight charge that overran three miles of Confederate earthworks in just 20 minutes. Today, Historic Blakeley State Park preserves 3,800 acres of this hallowed ground on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, where well-preserved Civil War fortifications, the ruins of a once-thriving antebellum town, and the pristine wilderness of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta create a park that is equal parts outdoor adventure and living history.
What makes Blakeley extraordinary is the layering of its stories. Before the Civil War, the town of Blakeley was one of Alabama’s most important ports — a rival to Mobile that at its peak had a population of 4,000, a newspaper, hotels, and direct shipping connections to New York. Yellow fever, hurricanes, and the shift of commerce to Mobile killed the town by the 1840s, and the forest reclaimed it. Today, you hike past the ruins of buildings, brick foundations, and the old town cemetery — a literal ghost town swallowed by centuries of Delta growth. Above it all, the earthworks and rifle pits of both armies remain remarkably intact, carved into the landscape like a scar that the forest has grown around but never erased.
The Battle of Fort Blakeley (April 9, 1865)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | April 9, 1865 (same day as Lee’s surrender) |
| Forces | ~16,000 Union vs. ~4,000 Confederate |
| Duration | 20-minute final assault at twilight |
| Significance | Last major battle of the Civil War |
| Fortifications | 3+ miles of earthworks, redoubts, rifle pits |
| USCT Participation | United States Colored Troops played prominent role |
The assault at Blakeley was notable for the significant participation of United States Colored Troops (USCT), who were among the first to breach the Confederate defenses. The battle’s outcome, combined with the simultaneous surrender at Appomattox and the fall of Mobile, effectively ended Confederate resistance in the Deep South.
Trails
The park features over 20 miles of marked trails through diverse terrain — from Civil War fortification lines to Delta bottomland forest and along the banks of the Tensaw River.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breastworks Trail | 3+ miles | Easy-Moderate | Confederate and Union earthworks, rifle pits |
| Ghost Town Trail | 2 miles | Easy | Town ruins, foundations, cemetery |
| Delta Nature Trail | 1.5 miles | Easy | Mobile-Tensaw Delta ecosystem, birding |
| River Trail | 3 miles | Moderate | Tensaw River views, bottomland forest |
| Equestrian/Bike Trails | 10+ miles | Varies | Dedicated multi-use through forest |
The Ghost Town of Blakeley
Before the Civil War, Blakeley was a thriving port town founded in 1814. At its peak in the 1820s, the town boasted:
- A population rivaling Mobile (~4,000 residents)
- A courthouse, hotels, a newspaper (The Blakeley Sun)
- Direct steamship service to New York City
- The second-largest land office in the United States
Yellow fever epidemics, devastating hurricanes, and the commercial rise of Mobile destroyed the town by the 1840s. Today, brick foundations, the old cemetery, and scattered ruins are slowly being consumed by the forest — an atmospheric, haunting landscape that is one of Alabama’s most compelling historical sites.
Water Activities
- Kayak Launch: Direct access to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta — the second-largest river delta in the US
- Delta Boat Cruises: Seasonal guided boat tours through the delta’s waterways
- Fishing: Bass, bream, catfish in delta waters. Alabama fishing license required
Camping and Accommodations
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Improved RV Sites | Water, electric hookups, fire rings |
| Tent Sites | Primitive and improved options |
| Cabins | Fully furnished, multiple sizes |
| Primitive Camping | Backcountry sites along trails |
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 34745 State Hwy 225, Spanish Fort, AL 36527 |
| Hours | 8 AM – Dusk, daily, year-round |
| Admission | Adults $5, Children 6-12 $3, Under 6 free, Veterans free |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Phone | (251) 626-0798 |
| Website | blakeleypark.com |
Getting There
- From Mobile: 15 miles east via I-10 and Highway 225 (~25 minutes)
- From Gulf Shores: 35 miles north (~45 minutes)
- From Pensacola, FL: 70 miles west (~1 hour 15 minutes)
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Battle anniversary events, wildflowers, mild temps | Moderate |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Delta boat tours, kayaking, full programs | Low-Moderate |
| Fall (Oct-Nov) | Cool temps, excellent hiking, Civil War programs | Moderate |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Mild Gulf Coast winter, birding, solitude | Low |
Nearby Attractions
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park: 10 miles west — WWII battleship and submarine tours
- Fort Morgan State Historic Site: 30 miles south — Civil War fort, beach access
- Mobile: 15 miles — Bellingrath Gardens, Gulf Coast Exploreum, historic downtown
- Gulf Shores/Orange Beach: 35 miles south — Gulf of Mexico beaches
- 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center: 5 miles — Delta exhibits, boardwalk, kayak rentals
Wildlife & Nature
Blakeley SP — site of the last major battle of the Civil War (Battle of Fort Blakeley, April 9, 1865 — the same day Lee surrendered at Appomattox). The park’s Tensaw River Delta, hardwood forest, and earthworks support alligators, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer.
What battle was fought at Blakeley State Park?
The Battle of Fort Blakeley was fought on April 9, 1865 — the same day Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. It was the last major battle of the American Civil War, involving nearly 45,000 troops. Approximately 16,000 Union soldiers, including significant United States Colored Troops units, overwhelmed 4,000 Confederate defenders in a dramatic twilight assault that breached three miles of earthworks in just 20 minutes.
Can you kayak at Blakeley State Park?
Yes! The park has a kayak launch providing direct access to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta — the second-largest river delta in the United States. Bring your own kayak or check with local outfitters for rentals. The delta’s maze of waterways, cypress swamps, and marshlands offers exceptional paddling through one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America.
