The South 40 | Gulf Views for Days

Dauphin Island, a wonder of nature and full of history is a barrier island on the Gulf . The population is about 1,300. The town is included in the Mobile metropolitan statistical area. The island was named for Louis XIV's great-grandson and heir, the Dauphin. Our 'laid-back' atmosphere is prized by folks who enjoy serenity and natural beauty.

The eastern, wider portion of the island, is shaded by thick stands of maritime pine trees, but the narrow, western part of the island features scrub growth and few trees.

Dauphin Island is home to Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, The Estuarium public aquarium, the Dauphin Island Airport, boat ramps, a fishing pier located on the Island's eastern end, historic sites, several restaurants. Beaches attract tourism, and fishing is a popular activity in the waters around the island. The island is connected to the mainland by a 3.5 mile long bridge.

Although the entire island is a bird sanctuary, the main one is the 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Dauphin Island is the first landfall encountered by many birds as they migrate north from Central and South America, and as a consequence many species can be found resting there before continuing their journey.

In 1519, the Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda was the first documented European to visit, staying long enough to map the island with remarkable accuracy.

The island's French history began on January 31, 1699, when the explorer Pierre Le Moyne, sieur d'Iberville, D'Iberville later decided to locate a port for Fort Louis de La Louisiane (Mobile). Fort Gaines on the eastern tip of the island was built between 1821 and 1848. It was occupied by Confederate forces in 1861, and captured by Federal troops during the Battle of Mobile Bay. The phrase, 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,' was spoken by U. S. Admiral David Farragut just a few hundred yards from Dauphin Island's shore.

We love 'The Island' as much as we know you will!