Fort Blakeley: Civil War Battle in a Ghost Town | History Traveler Episode 166

This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
After the Battle of Mobile Bay, the Union movements into the heart of the South continued. Guarding the city of Mobile and the rivers that would lead into the heart of Alabama was a Confederate fort built around an old ghost town. Fort Blakeley, just outside of Mobile, is home to some of the most well preserved earthworks of any battlefield in the U.S. We're exploring the history of this lesser known battle that was fought in the final days of the Civil War.
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All drone footage shot by a part 107 licensed pilot.

[@briandesrochers1360]

Cool video. I am the interpretive ranger at Blakeley, and responsible for the upkeep, restoration, and reconstruction of the earthworks. Too bad I didn't know you were coming to film, I perhaps could have helped out. Note: Keep Off is to deter folks from walking on the earthworks. It causes erosion.

[@brentvanzandbergen1036]

You and your team are doing a fantastic job preserving and enhancing the park. It’s been maybe 5 years since I was last there and am pleasantly amazed at the progress I’ve seen in this video. I will have to pay another visit soon!

[@frankhutchinson4066]

My gg-grandfather, Paul Fulton Witherspoon, fought there on the side of the South. He shared a “foxhole” with a friend who he had helped pursue a Mobile girl by composing letters, poems, etc. for the man to send her (like Cyrano de Bergerac). His friend was shot and killed right beside him during the battle and he had to send a last letter to her informing her of his death.

[@HistorySavior1941]

That is neat. Would love to hear more of that story. Hopefully you can visit here one day to see where your grandfathers friend fell. Do you know if he was buried here in one of the cemeteries?

[@Marcfj]

Frank Hutchinson - Who was your great-great-grandfather with at Fort Blakeley? My great-great-grandfather, Benjamin H. Bounds, also fought there. He was with the 4th Mississippi Infantry regiment company F "Sons of the South". According to his writings, when the fort was being overrun he killed one Union soldier at a distance of only ten feet. He also wrote that colored troops were involved in atrocities when they shot and killed some of his fellow Confederate soldiers who had already surrendered and been disarmed. In fact, one black Union soldier was going to shoot and kill my great-great-grandfather after he had also surrendered and been disarmed. However, a white Union officer from Ohio intervened on his behalf and whacked the black soldier over the head with his revolver and saved my great-great-grandfather. He was then sent to Ship island as a P.O.W.

[@deborahgibson9039]

Oh how sad and sentimental at the same time...

[@jondoe399]

Thanks a bunch JD. Your videos are about the only thing that give me a break from the chaos of current times. I’m deeply grateful that you haven’t slowed or wavered in your mission and admire the modest way you conduct yourself. You’re a true American. Please keep them coming, great job.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@smokingnothinbutgood7921]

As I approach my late 30s I wish I had found this stuff as interesting as I do now in school.

[@roytallow6784]

Brothers, friends, cousins, fathers, sons, relationships had a battle with one another ! May they all RIP with one another ! 😕

[@kennethnew3075]

What a amazing place. The drone footage of the fort was outstanding. I love it. Thanks for braving the mosquitoes for us.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Thanks.

[@tomshaw117]

Thanks for this video. My GG Grandfather, IA 35th Infantry, fought in this battle.

[@Georgiajason]

It’s very sobering to see and to feel. I’ve been on many battle fields around the south and the feeling never changes. When you’re standing on ground where a many of men’s blood once drenched the ground, you can’t shake those feelings. I’m just thankful I was not there during the battles. Thank you for sharing.

[@chuck2776]

The “Keep off” sign made me chuckle. If all else failed 😂

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! The last line of defense.

[@HistorySavior1941]

Got to admit, it took everything I could do to not laugh when you filmed that shot.

[@ThePhred66]

"Dangit!!!!... better head back to Ohio"

[@bjsdemon]

I really think history teachers should incorporate your videos into their lessons. Especially in times like this. You are literally a virtual field trip. This why I like your videos and Exploring With Josh. You guys take us to all these neat places we could only wish to go. And we get some history to snack on during the trip.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Providing a resource for history teachers is why I started this channel to begin with.

[@guysammons1177]

Ft McAllister in Richmond Hill GA is another very well preserved earthen fort built to guard the mouth of the Ogeechee River.

[@drows3y_tiger344]

I agree, I live not far from it

[@chriswelborn9469]

I was there when, I believe, you were scouting out the area. My buddy and I pulled up on our motorcycles to pay the entrance fee when you walked out with the park manager. I wanted to introduce myself as a subscriber to your channel, but didn't want to interrupt you. My buddy and I, although it rained on us, enjoyed our visit there. I also enjoyed hearing about the history of the place in your video, which was well done as usual.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh man. You should’ve said something. I would’ve been glad to meet you.

[@stephenthomas6475]

Hi from County Durham in England, love these video's about the Civi War, thank you for building up my knowledge of this period of history. Love the USA and American culture.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that!

[@jamesyounce2231]

JD: Thanks for the video about Fort Blakely. Myself and a couple of my ham radio friends had the opportunity to spend several weekends on the Blakely Battle Field camping and operating an ham radio station from the site.. The very first night we were camped out there a heavy fog descended on us and it was a very eerie feeling. You could barely see your hand in front of your face the fog was so thick. I had the feeling I could hear the cannons and rifles firing and the screams of the fallen soldiers on both sides of the war. It was a sleepless night for sure. The battle field was an outstanding site for operating ham radio. We were able to talk to people all over the world . 73' (Best Regards in Ham Radio Lingo) Jim Younce K4ZM Mobile, AL

[@1psychofan]

Oh goodie! I got my coffee ☕️ now you can educate me! 😃

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Perfect!

[@MCAmericaFree]

That comment made my day! So accurate! That's how I feel every time he puts a new one out!! 😂

[@joannecarolyn5018]

It's always refreshing to watch a video showing the Confederate perspective 😊 Which is why I ❤️❤️❤️ your videos... You give us a view of what both sides experienced during the war. Thank you! 😊 Joanne from Singapore 🇸🇬

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I try and give as full of a perspective as I can.

[@joannecarolyn5018]

@@TheHistoryUnderground My pleasure 😊 That's why I ❤️ your awesome channel!!

[@patricialenaburg6553]

Never heard about this before, but more than happy to learn. Certainly has been well preserved, and taken care of, they have saved so much history. It's a shame about the town, it's like it was not to be, and then the Civil War, and the destruction of the cemetery. Thanks JD, and Josh.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

There was talk that Blakeley was going to be what Mobile became. Pretty interesting.

[@HistorySavior1941]

Exactly right. It was close to possibly surpassing Mobile. It baffles me how such a large town can just disappear into nothing so fast.

[@SFB221]

Really (7(4;75f

[@jamesjustus6568]

Got to spend a day exploring Ft. Blakeley about 15 years ago. It's absolutely amazing the state of preservation, that it wasn't plowed under or developed. Going back for another visit is on my bucket list.

[@laurenwatts371]

This is seriously one of the best channels, I'm so happy to have found you! Thank you for all of your research and for sharing your experiences!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I really do appreciate that. Feel free to share it out with others :)

[@firekev4525]

Great video im from the uk and visited Ft Blakeley in 2018 ..and yes there are thousands of mosquitoes

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Yeah, they’re awful.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!

[@MrTropics64]

My Great Great Grandfather served with the 37th Alabama Infantry Regiment at Fort Blakeley 1864. My Father started the Spanish Fort Park Foundation in the late 1970's which created Blakeley State Park. Many thanks for posting this fine historical video.

[@HistorySavior1941]

Your father created a lasting legacy. Much gratitude is owed to him!

[@KowboyUSA]

God Bless Alabama.

[@ashtonbm6435]

Damn buddy is all over mobile we got a rich history here. Remember being a kid and my grandma taking me to blakeley. Thank you for keeping our history alive man

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Terrific fellas. Another episode of a place I have never heard of before. Thank you

[@julieblasingame9652]

Respect your work, love it. I have ran through these breastworks for over 40 years. Wish I could have spoke to you about Blakeley before this episode. I could have shared so much more !

[@johnsimms4501]

Another excellent video. I never knew this place existed...thanks for the education and keeping history alive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Pretty fascinating place.

[@larrystephens7437]

The drone footage at the end gave it a great perspective.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@deborahgibson9039]

Love your humor ....thanks for your very interesting history lessons! 👍

[@cridgeway666]

I have never heard of the battle of Blakely before & definitely learned something new today. The sharpened wooden logs in the shape of elongated xs with multiple extra arms remind me of extra large caltrops that could be placed in the bottoms of ditches & pierce unsuspecting soldiers legs & lower torsos. If one side of arms starts to break or impales too many people it could flip & have a fresh side up. Love the mosquito humor, where I'm from we say that our mosquitoes & greenheads are big enough to carry off horses.

[@amandawatson5931]

Willing to die for a cause is simultaneously one of our greatest strengths, and our greatest failing. When no compromise can be found, people have died, are dying, and will continue to die.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Sad.

[@brentmoody3461]

As a Civil War History nut, I am ashamed to say I had never heard of this battle. Thank you so much for the videos. and for the things I continue to learn as I age.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely a lesser known battle. There was a lot going on with the Army of Northern Virginia at that time that overshadows everything else too.

[@steamboatmcg2197]

Blakeley was the last major battle of the war. I don't think he mentioned that in the video.

[@davemac8293]

THIS IS WHERE I GOT MARRIED! My wife fought me on it a bit. But I insisted. There is a huge beautiful southern live oak we were married under. He also missed “the bidding tree” It’s a live oak you can literally walk under its root system and almost stand up in. It’s where a few soldiers hid as the fort was being overtaken. I’ve camped at the park many many times and I highly recommend visiting.

[@rev-mikemckay9750]

A rule of thumb that I learned re: attacking a fortified position (from pre-crusade through fairly recent history), a 5:1 advantage was needed, at least. Blakely was 'just' within that 'rule'.

[@camdodge9891]

JD top notch another great video and thank you for sharing JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@katy5467]

My 3x great grandfather was in the 63rd and wounded at Ft Blakeley. He was shot through the face entering his right cheekbone and exiting behind his ear. I’ve done a lot of family research and it’s pretty cool to see this.

[@Samson163]

I'm from Alabama and how I didn't know about this place! Now I gotta go...thanks for the awesome videos! The 'Keep Off' comment was hilarious haha

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching!

[@1psychofan]

Well Done JD and Josh, very interesting! I’ve never heard of Blakely

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I hadn’t either. That was one that Josh alerted me to.

[@1psychofan]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I am certainly glad he did!

[@timothyogden9761]

Me either Lisa. I've learned so much since stumbling in here March 2020. Best spot for an honest look at history.

[@1psychofan]

@@timothyogden9761 agreed!!!! I confess to binge watching

[@1psychofan]

@@timothyogden9761 I am an avid history buff, when KZbin suggested a clip of History Underground I too became addicted ~such a wonderful obsession lol 😂

[@Spitnchicklets]

Good job JD, Keep showing us more outtakes 😂!!! I love all your videos. I always watch them during my coffee wake up time. Great way to kick my day off. With so many mosquitoes may I suggest a long sleeve🤷‍♂️!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@Bravesdarrell8552]

Keep the videos coming !!! Love it !!!

[@MamaDee_83]

I have been a fan of this channel since the beginning and the videos keep getting better and better! Great work JD!

[@Hoplite9]

Thank You for braving the insects to highlight our history.

[@terryeustice5399]

Great display of the defense put up by the confederate defense’s in the battle of Blakey. Your work is great! Thank you for sharing!

[@texan6673]

WOW ! Those trees have been there for 165 YEARS !!!

[@mannycolavito8918]

I like that t-shirt "Come and Take it".

[@danielhostetler9493]

I live in Yakima Washington and a few years ago I worked with a guy who had grown up in Alabama. As we became friends he was always talking about the absence of "green" which I never understood what he meant by that because we have green plants and I had only lived on the West Coast. I had no idea what he meant until I went to visit after they moved back to the Huntsville area. The opening scene of this episode reminded me of how vibrant and varied the greens are by comparison to the greens of trees with the brown sagebrush covered landscape that comes from living in a desert here in Central Washington. What a stunning landscape to host such horrific events.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Interesting.

[@danielhostetler9493]

@@TheHistoryUnderground lol, more so for those of us who live in a brown world that has green thanks to the gift of irrigation.

[@sandikay3323]

The music in this video is evocative of the time, which I appreciate.

[@Wreckdiver59]

The drone footage really gave a great view of the fort. Always learning something. Chevaux de frise translates to Friesian horses, which were a sought after war horse breed from the Netherlands in the middle ages.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Always learning something.

[@HistorySavior1941]

Never knew that it meant Friesian Horses. That is neat and now I have learned something. Thank you for commenting that.

[@AdamCeladin]

Totally awesome video !!! Great job

[@stevemahoney6493]

Maybe I missed it in the videobut the most compelling fact I found about this battle was that it was launched in the late afternoon of the 9th. Hours after Lee had surrendered in Virginia.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@ryanreay4167]

Great videos!! Always new information and interesting content!!

[@rachelsheffler3655]

Fascinating, thank you!

[@HistorywithWaffles]

My GG grandfather was actually shot in the chest during that battle. I used to go out there all the time when I was in Pensacola. I volunteered there for a year clearing growth off those earthworks. It’s an amazing place and extremely hot during the summer. The Union attacked near the Bass pro shop lol

[@markfoor4137]

I participated in a Civil War reenactment at Blakeley years ago when I was a new reenactor....that field was MASSIVE and they were still finding stuff (a reenactor friend of mine found a pair of glasses frames).

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty wild how spread out that battlefield is.

[@Tippy2987]

I'll tell ya what, just yesterday I experienced this, while reenacting as Fed Infantry, Charging that 520 yard gap from the Federal earthworks to redoubt 4 was challenging. There are leg breaking holes and logs everywhere as well as a Marsh where the road was flooded. The approach is treacherous, especially trying to keep the Line intact. We've been improving the site around redoubt 4 as well as the fed earthworks8, it will keep being restored. Thanks for the vid!!

[@Bushoke]

In French, cheval de frise, or chevaux for plural, means "Frisian horse". The Frisians fought predominantly using cavalry they were known for being formidable horsemen, and Frisian horses were renowned for their strength and agility. Therefore, for defense they relied heavily on anti-cavalry obstacles. The Dutch also adopted the use of these defensive devices when at war with Spain. The term cheval de frise came to be used for any spiked obstacle.

[@mamab4211]

“Keep Off” 🤣🤣 I appreciate the bloopers 🥳

[@deborahchapman9777]

I love all the history to tell. I was not a fan during my high school days. Am a fan now and just love you telling .

[@davidgrindstaff9246]

Thanks JD for these awesome videos... taking me places I never thought I'd see.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@lavettamoff7883]

J D,I love your videos.I love learning new information.I am a RN,but I love history.

[@joannamcpeak7531]

Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

[@STL2steppin]

Thanks JD. Your videos always capture and hold ones attention. The way you edit your content and the shots you include are captivating. Enjoyed the outtakes as well!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed it.

[@barrymcclaughry9229]

Your videos are right up there with American battlefield trust. Bringing history alive,thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that. I’ve done some work with them and am a big fan of what they do.

[@philmathenia2265]

Another great video. Ready enjoy the information and your Photograph of your videos

[@ramakassimu7733]

All love from Tanzania

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that! Thank you.

[@ramakassimu7733]

@@TheHistoryUnderground thanks guys

[@fatheremmons85]

This is awesome!

[@MrRozzi20]

Another amazing video JD! I’m glad I said something months ago on one of your live streams to tell you to make a video about stuff in mobile! I know the battlefield in Spanish fort is gone but maybe someday it can get some recognition

[@shauntemplar.26]

outstanding....

[@petergiger1278]

Great video. Thanks guy.

[@JoeTayMetal]

You should plan a trip to North East MS and spend a few days giving us your insight on the Crossroads Battle... Brice's Crossroads and Battle of Tupelo.. then Shiloh in TN

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@dawg7915]

living my life vicariously through you my friend

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@BigLisaFan]

Always exciting to walk where death and history went hand in hand and to try and imagine what went on around you. Places like these need to be preserved and for all to see and study and remember. Right or wrong by our standards is irrelevant, they fought, and died too, for their homes, rights and beliefs.

[@lavettamoff7883]

The earthworks are awesome.

[@sadon0423]

My hometown, so yea I’m a little biased. Yet this is one of the best yet JD. Thanks for everything.

[@williamkenopke3900]

Another one of my favorite places to explore. They have decent mountain bike trails also!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Nice! I really enjoyed my time there.

[@dconn74]

Never heard of this battle. Thanks for sharing. I'm loving your channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Feel free to share it out with others who might like it 🙂

[@nathanbishop4897]

Very good. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Our pleasure!

[@brentvanzandbergen1036]

Have been enjoying your channel for a year or two now. Excited to see you in my back yard! I’ve visited this park a handful of times and they continually keep improving it. They hold a re-enactment of the battle there every April (at least pre-COVID). I’m sure they will resume next year if they hadn’t already this year.

[@HistorySavior1941]

They were going to hold it this past April but it was rained out. They will have one again this April.

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff mate 👍

[@slimsadventures9167]

Another amazing video!! My then 15 year old son was fortunate enough to take part in the national battle there in 2019. He said the mosquitos and the snakes were the worst part! Lol. Thanks for all you do to get history out!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@marctremblay8087]

Another excellent video

[@discoverynorthcarolina9824]

Really great video. thanks

[@clemhollingsworth9885]

Thanks, JD, for your upload. I visited the fort back in 2017 as I wanted to see where my gggrandfather fought his last battle for the Confederacy. Inclement weather prevented my exploring the area, so I very much appreciate what your video provided.

[@michaelfuller2153]

I have driven by many times...between I-65 and Spanish Fort. Thanks for sharing...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@michaelfuller2153]

JD... Have you been to the Ellicott Stone near Mobile? Quite a bit of history with that.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@michaelfuller2153 - Can't say that I have.

[@michaelfuller2153]

Andrew Ellicott was a surveyor that could sight stars like a mariner, and find boundaries on the earth. George Washington sent him by flatboat to Natchez , MS to find the Southern boundary of the US. There is (still) a stone inscribed 1799, Lat. 31...US on one side, Latin on the other. There is more to it. He also surveyed Wash DC

[@lilgrlQ1]

Another great one!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks again!

[@arthurengelbert788]

Well Done 👍 Thank you

[@jeremyburton9038]

Cant wait for the next one.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@rrmorris67]

Awesome. My son and I hit so many stops when we were down there but we missed this one entirely.

[@bettymadison2528]

So glad to see you in my neck of the woods. Enjoyed the Fort Mims/Gaines video. Be sure to visit Oakleigh plantation and Fort Mims

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@allenweston7681]

Battle of Kinston has a lot of interesting things about it. It’s was a battle for Goldsboro expedition

[@allenweston7681]

This is in North Carolina

[@altonbunnjr]

Thanks for showing this site. I didn’t know about it and the battle even after being a Civil War nerd for nearly 40 years.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@richardcrouse4644]

In my research of our family tree I discovered this can be called the last battle of the Civil War. My great grandfather was captured there. It was his second time being captured of the war. Thank you for this post.

[@alanconnors8881]

Always learning stuff I didn't know watching your channel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Me too!

[@GClooney17]

Hi I been watching all your episodes since last week I am hooked thank you so much. I am a Hugh history buff. Especially Gettysburg keep up the great work.

[@nintiwirri]

Always great video's

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@frankscarborough1428]

Love your channel. Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching!

[@fieldpointoutdoors]

thank you for sharing! My 3rd Great Grandfather Samuel Beaman McCary was wounded in this battle on April 9th 1865 he was in the Alabama 63rd Infantry Regiment. he was only 17 years old during the battle however he lived until the year 1938.

[@robertlequesne5334]

Great guy, great channel, love the passion. Always look forward to new vids 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@robertlequesne5334]

Also as a kiwi, always been fascinated with the American Civil war. My main intrest is ww2 Pacific, New Zealand played a large roll in defeating the Japanese. Not well published

[@cjcornwall]

Outstanding video. Thank you. I use to live in Fairhope, AL, just down the road from Blakeley and have done several reenactments at this location. Although I consider myself as an amateur historian, I learned a lot from this presentation. Thanks, Again, Chuck

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@benjaminrush4443]

Thanks.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Welcome!

[@americuspublius9989]

My ancestor got the Medal of Honor for taking down the Confederate Flag During the Battle of Fort Blakeley. He was in the 122nd Illinois Volunteer infantry.

[@VFT1729]

Thank you so much for doing this. I hope to get there one day. On behalf of both my great great grandfathers 07