7 Ways to Explore the Eastern Shore’s Unique History

The Greek Orthodox Church
The Greek Orthodox Church in Malbis is a gorgeous example of Byzantine architecture. The church opened in 1965 in memory of Jason Malbis, Greek immigrant and founder of Malbis Plantation. The Greek Orthodox Church is known for its incredible murals depicting the life of Christ, carved marble and vivid stained glass.

Historic Blakeley State Park
Historic Blakeley State Park sits on the last major battlefield of the Civil War, the Battle of Fort Blakeley. Today you can still find several miles of unspoiled Confederate and Union fortifications. The Battle of Fort Blakeley was fought on April 9, 1865, on the same day General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army at Appomattox. The Union went on to capture Mobile.

Town of Blakeley
While touring Historic Blakeley State Park, you can explore the remnants of the early Alabama town of Blakeley, a colonial-era homestead and evidence of habitation from American Indians. Historic Blakeley State Park is the largest National Register Historic Site on the eastern half of the United States, stretching 2,100 acres with horseback-riding trails, cabins and campgrounds.

Fairhope Museum of History
Find artifacts from Fairhope’s unique past throughout the Fairhope Museum of History. Exhibits feature everyone from the city’s earliest residents, the Native American Indians, the potters who enjoyed working with the area’s rich Alabama clay to the single taxers who sought to create a utopian society.

Old Methodist Church Museum
The Old Methodist Church Museum is the second oldest church building in Baldwin County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery on the property has burial sites dating back to 1847. Today, the church operates as a museum featuring a collection of arts and crafts, period clothing and the original pews.

Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
The Grand Hotel has played a vital role in our military history, serving as a hospital during the Civil War and later for training operations during World War II. The Grand Hotel honors its wartime history each day at 3:45 in the afternoon with a procession and cannon firing on Mobile Bay.

Historic Architecture
Take in the historic architecture as you cruise down Scenic 98 and the bayside streets of Fairhope to find neighborhoods dripping in southern charm. The deep-south style and stately homes overlook Mobile Bay with ancient live-oaks and magnolias lining the driveways. You’ll find prime examples of the coastal-cottage style with board and baton, craftsman columns and blooming gardens.