-
Jan 1, 1516
Mobile Bay Explored by the Spanish
Diego de Mirvelo explored Mobile bay in 1516, and later (in 15190 Alonso Alvarez de Pineda further explored Mobile Bay. At this time, it was called "Bahia del Espirita Santo" or "Bay of the Holy Spirit." -
Jan 1, 1540
Hernando de Soto
In 1540, Hernando de Soto explored the area around Mobile Bay. In the process, he destroyed a settlement named "Maubila". Later, the name "Maubila" would be shortened to "Mobile." -
Jan 1, 1559
Tristan de Luna y Arellano
Tristan de Luna y Arellan attempted to establish a permanent Spanish colony near Mobile Bay. The attempt failed. -
First Successful Settlement Established
Using nearby Fort Maurepas as a base of operations, Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville established the first successful settlement along the Mobile River. This French settlement was known as "Fort Louis de la Louisiane". -
Mobile Moved to Current Location
Due to disease and death, the French settlement that would one day become known as Mobile had to be moved further downriver to it's current location at the confluence of the Mobile River and Mobile Bay. -
Mobile becomes Military Outpost
Due to the war with Spain, the French governer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville moved the French colonial captial from Mobile to Biloxi. Mobile becomes a military outpost. -
Fort Conde Construction Begins
In 1723, construction began on Fort Conde, which was named for Louis Henri, Duc de Bourbon and prince of Condé. -
Britain takes Possession of Mobile
In the Treaty of Paris of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War, Britain takes control of the area containing Mobile (also known as "West Mobile"). The British rename Fort Conde to Fort Charlotte. -
Spain Took Control of Mobile
During the Battle of Fort Charlotte, Spain captured Fort Charlotte/Fort Conde from the British. The Spanish were able to retain Mobile in the Treaty of Paris of 1783. -
American Rebellion in Spanish West Florida
American settlers living in Spanish West Florida rebelled against the Spanish and formed the independent Republic of West Florida -
The United States took over Mobile
During the War of 1812, General James Wilkinson marched troops from New Orleans to Mobile and took control of Mobile. The Spanish wisely capitulated. -
Alabama Territory Created
When the state of Mississippi was formed in 1817, the area once known as the Mississippi territory was split in half. The other half became the Alabama territory. Mobile fell within the boundaries of the newly-formed territory. -
Alabama Became a State
The Alabama Territory became a full-fledged state in the United States of America. -
Alabama Seceeded from the Union
With the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidencey, Alabama (and several other Southern states) seceeded from the Union. -
Battle of Mobile Bay
Rear Adm. David G. Farragut (Union) defeated Adm. Franklin Buchanan (Confederate) giving the Union control of Mobile. -
Mobile Surrenders to the Union Army
In order to avoid the destruction of their city, Mobile surrendered three days after Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse,
