Se cti on Ti tle
Dauphin Island ALABAMA
i
Dauphin Island ALABAMA
Carroll Uithoven
Photography by Sjon Hopkins Joy Harper Hartley Russell
WDG Publishing
Sec tio n Title
Dauphin Island, Alabama Editor: Creative Direction: Design/Art Direction:
Sherry Sackfield Duane Wood Jackie Nation
1
Dauphin Island ALABAMA
Introduction 2 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Copyright Š 2014 WDG Communications Inc. The copyrights of individual photographs remain the property of the photographer credited for the image. First published in the United States of America by WDG Publishing 1615 32nd Street NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 wdgcom.com
History 4 The Lighthouse 18 Island Life 24 Beaches 38 Fishing 48 Attractions 58 Events 74
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Acknowledgements 94
Uithoven, Carroll, 1951Dauphin Island, Alabama / Carroll Uithoven ; photography by Joy Harper Hartley Russell, Sjon Hopkins. pages cm ISBN 978-0-9826138-4-9 (alk. paper) 1. Dauphin Island (Ala.)--History--Pictorial works. I. Title. F332.M6U35 2014 976.1’22--dc23 2014007691
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Joy Harper Hartley Russell
Printed in the United States of America
Sec tio n Title
Dauphin Island, Alabama Editor: Creative Direction: Design/Art Direction:
Sherry Sackfield Duane Wood Jackie Nation
1
Dauphin Island ALABAMA
Introduction 2 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Copyright Š 2014 WDG Communications Inc. The copyrights of individual photographs remain the property of the photographer credited for the image. First published in the United States of America by WDG Publishing 1615 32nd Street NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 wdgcom.com
History 4 The Lighthouse 18 Island Life 24 Beaches 38 Fishing 48 Attractions 58 Events 74
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Acknowledgements 94
Uithoven, Carroll, 1951Dauphin Island, Alabama / Carroll Uithoven ; photography by Joy Harper Hartley Russell, Sjon Hopkins. pages cm ISBN 978-0-9826138-4-9 (alk. paper) 1. Dauphin Island (Ala.)--History--Pictorial works. I. Title. F332.M6U35 2014 976.1’22--dc23 2014007691
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Joy Harper Hartley Russell
Printed in the United States of America
Sec tio n Title 2
3
Tucked away at the end of Highway 193 about 25 miles south
Bayou La Batre, small communities just north of Dauphin Island
the Battle of Mobile Bay that Admiral Farragut was inspired
this new venture, the island inhabitants did not necessarily share
of I-10, dividing Mobile Bay and the Mississippi Sound, lies an
as well as the city of Mobile, rely on this strip to protect them
to say, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!”
in the excitement. However, the plan moved forward leading
enticing bit of real estate offering a unique combination of history
from hurricanes.
today’s modern tourists, Dauphin Island, Alabama, has provided all who set foot on it a wealth of sand, seafood, and sunsets.
to the harmony among islanders today.
Native Americans first inhabited Dauphin Island around 1100 AD
world unto itself. With no bridge connecting it to the mainland the
The twenty-first century finds Dauphin Island a tranquil village
and left behind mounds of oyster shells that today provide food
island was self-sustaining. Fishing and oystering provided income
with the amenities of modern life. From cabins to condos to large
and shelter to the many species of birds migrating through the
as well as sustenance, and cattle and goats roamed freely.
beachfront homes, the island provides accommodations for nearly
Dubbed the Sunset Capital of Alabama in July 2013, Dauphin
area. The French arrived in 1699, claiming the land until it was
Island lives up to its name. Watching the sun melt into the Gulf
seized by the Spanish in 1763. Ensuing wars involving France,
and observing the many colors in the surrounding sky is a regular
Spain, and England wreaked havoc on the island until it became
treat to locals and visitors alike. Dauphin Island’s job as a barrier
part of the United States in 1813. Dauphin Island’s Fort Gaines,
island makes it important to inland areas by keeping them
along with Fort Morgan across the bay, served as guardians to
safe from the storms that periodically occur. Coden and
the Mobile Bay entrance during the Civil War. It was here during
The 1950s brought about much change. The Mobile Chamber of Commerce created a plan to build a bridge from Cedar Point to the island. To fund this venture, lots were sold, ensuring growth
everyone. Birding, fishing, walking, biking, or sunset watching all have a place here. Artists and fishermen alike enjoy being on island time and finding serenity at its finest.
and sound financial backing. While many were enthusiastic about
Dubbed the Sunset Capital of Alabama in July 2013, Dauphin Island lives up to its name.
Joy Harper Hartley Russell
and beauty. From its earliest Native American inhabitants to
From the Civil War until the mid-1950s, Dauphin Island was a
Sec tio n Title 2
3
Tucked away at the end of Highway 193 about 25 miles south
Bayou La Batre, small communities just north of Dauphin Island
the Battle of Mobile Bay that Admiral Farragut was inspired
this new venture, the island inhabitants did not necessarily share
of I-10, dividing Mobile Bay and the Mississippi Sound, lies an
as well as the city of Mobile, rely on this strip to protect them
to say, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!”
in the excitement. However, the plan moved forward leading
enticing bit of real estate offering a unique combination of history
from hurricanes.
today’s modern tourists, Dauphin Island, Alabama, has provided all who set foot on it a wealth of sand, seafood, and sunsets.
to the harmony among islanders today.
Native Americans first inhabited Dauphin Island around 1100 AD
world unto itself. With no bridge connecting it to the mainland the
The twenty-first century finds Dauphin Island a tranquil village
and left behind mounds of oyster shells that today provide food
island was self-sustaining. Fishing and oystering provided income
with the amenities of modern life. From cabins to condos to large
and shelter to the many species of birds migrating through the
as well as sustenance, and cattle and goats roamed freely.
beachfront homes, the island provides accommodations for nearly
Dubbed the Sunset Capital of Alabama in July 2013, Dauphin
area. The French arrived in 1699, claiming the land until it was
Island lives up to its name. Watching the sun melt into the Gulf
seized by the Spanish in 1763. Ensuing wars involving France,
and observing the many colors in the surrounding sky is a regular
Spain, and England wreaked havoc on the island until it became
treat to locals and visitors alike. Dauphin Island’s job as a barrier
part of the United States in 1813. Dauphin Island’s Fort Gaines,
island makes it important to inland areas by keeping them
along with Fort Morgan across the bay, served as guardians to
safe from the storms that periodically occur. Coden and
the Mobile Bay entrance during the Civil War. It was here during
The 1950s brought about much change. The Mobile Chamber of Commerce created a plan to build a bridge from Cedar Point to the island. To fund this venture, lots were sold, ensuring growth
everyone. Birding, fishing, walking, biking, or sunset watching all have a place here. Artists and fishermen alike enjoy being on island time and finding serenity at its finest.
and sound financial backing. While many were enthusiastic about
Dubbed the Sunset Capital of Alabama in July 2013, Dauphin Island lives up to its name.
Joy Harper Hartley Russell
and beauty. From its earliest Native American inhabitants to
From the Civil War until the mid-1950s, Dauphin Island was a
History 4
5
History
History 4
5
History
Acknowledgements Because quite a bit of the Dauphin Island history has been
The following sites provided background information:
passed down through family lore, much appreciation is given
http://www.dauphinislandhistory.org/index.html
to island residents Darrell Mallon, Carroll Delcambre, Chick Sprinkle, and Paul Mayson for their contributions. In addition, residents Cathy and Ralph Havard, Mike Henderson, and Mary and John Porter provided information on early island history, concerts, and birding. Resident Jim Hall has created a website that is the foundation of Dauphin Island history research. His friend Richard Register added colorful commentary to the years between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. David Connolly contributed information on the Dauphin Island Veteran’s
http://www.dauphinislandchamber.com/history.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mobile_Bay http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/dauphinisland.html http://difoundation.org/history.htm http://www.townofdauphinisland.org http://southernhistory.blogspot.com http://disl.org http://www.coastalbirding.org/index.htm
Association. Thanks also to my husband Mark for his support and suggestions. Historical events have been documented as much as possible; however, as discrepancies appear throughout both the written and oral histories, care has been taken to make both as accurate as possible. – Your Author, Carroll Uithoven
Joy Harper Hartley Russell
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96
The bridge not only connects the island to the rest of the world, it also serves as a marker for leaving cares behind.
WDG Publishing
$28.95