History of Mobile
Founded 1702 by the French
Image credited to Wikipedia Commons.
Mobile, Alabama is a city located on the Gulf Coast of the United States. It *was* the third most populous city in the state of Alabama, with a population of approximately 195,111 as of the 2010 United States Census. (It now is second with just over 204,000 residents) The city was founded by French colonists in 1702 (people typically ask "When was mobile founded?" and it is 1702) and was named after the Maubila Native American tribe that inhabited the area at the time. The area that is now Mobile was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Creek. The first Europeans to arrive in the area were Spanish explorers in the early 16th century, who established a fort (Fort Conde) in future downtown Mobile.
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In 1702, the French established a settlement at the site of present-day Mobile. Mobile quickly became an important trading center for the region, and the city's port became a major hub for trade and commerce.
During the American Revolutionary War, Mobile was captured by British forces and was held by them until the end of the war. After the war, Mobile became part of the United States and grew rapidly as a port and commercial center. In the 19th century, Mobile became a major center for shipbuilding and the lumber industry, and the city's population continued to grow. The city was an important location during the American Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the city at different times. In the 20th century, Mobile would continue to grow and prosper, with the city's port remaining a major contributor to the city's and state's economy. In the 21st century, Mobile has continued to thrive, with a growing economy and a vibrant cultural scene. Today, the city is home to several museums, art galleries, and historical sites, and is a popular destination for tourists and visitors. The city foresees about 3-4 million tourists per year. However, recently, that number has been growing.
A Quick Summary
One of the "founding fathers" of Mobile
Founding
French interests in the region prompted the settlement of Mobile in 1702 by naval hero Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and his younger brother, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. But this city was located up the Mobile River, near Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, rather than at the mouth of the river.
Life in Old Mobile was difficult. Frequent floods and epidemics plagued the colonists. More dangerous, however, were the raids from Alabama Indians, who attacked the colonists, and the Mauvila Indians who lived near their fort. When an attack damaged the fort at Old Mobile beyond repair, Bienville (though only in his 20s) finally convinced the colonists to move the city closer to the mouth of Mobile Bay and away from danger. Many of the Mobilian Indians relocated with the colonists. This location is where present-day Mobile is.
Colonial Mobile
Colonial Mobile & Fort Conde
Colonial Mobile was a city of limited size and potential, largely because of the stagnant economic prospects of the French (1702-1763 [Capitol of New France]), British (1763-1780) and Spanish (1780-1813) settlements in the New World (This is how Mobile gets its nickname of "The City of Six Flags."). Mobile was a key settlement along the Gulf of Mexico, and its location near the deep waters of the Gulf was coveted by the European powers seeking to gain a foothold in the region. It was the capital of French Louisiana until 1720 and, for a short time in the 1760s, served as the temporary capitol of British West Florida until the seat of government was moved to Pensacola. By the time Mobile became an American city in 1813, its population had already become multicultural, a trait that would distinguish it among other Alabama cities throughout its history. Yet it was not until American investment provided Mobile with much needed capital to make improvements and strengthened its economic standing that the city experienced true growth. On November 20, 1818, just prior to Alabama's statehood, the Alabama Territorial Legislature charter the city's first bank, the Bank of Mobile, which would operate in the city until 1884. Wealthy businessmen financed new building projects that enhanced the potential of the city's port. By the 1820s, Mobile became a major exporting center for Alabama and the South to markets in the northeast and Europe. Cotton proved to be the most profitable export of antebellum Mobile, and the city's economic fortunes prospered along with the wealthy plantations of the interior region. Many state that Mobile was so rich from cotton that you can't compare it to any modern-day city. (Some information provided here is credited to Wikipedia Commons. All works cited are under the 'Terms and Conditions' tab at the bottom of that page.)
RSA Battle House Tower
Image credited to Wikipedia Commons.
Mobile in the 20th century
Architecture and Buildings
The RSA Battle House Tower
Mobile is known for its quite distinct architecture and deep roots into its French history. The buildings around reflect those roots perfectly. One building that "stands out" (quite literally) is the RSA Battle House Tower, which serves its business related aspects perfectly with its architectural marvel, like the spire and design. The RSA Battle House Tower is a high-rise office building located in Mobile, Alabama. It stands at a tall 745 feet and is the tallest building in the state of Alabama (Haha, Birmingham!) The tower was completed in 2005 and was designed by the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The building is named after the Retirement Systems of Alabama, a state pension fund that owns and operates the tower. The RSA Battle House Tower serves as the headquarters for a number of businesses and organizations, including the Alabama Media Group and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. It also has a hotel, multiple restaurants, and office buildings inside.
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The tower is located in the tall heart of downtown Mobile and is a prominent feature of the city's skyline. It is adjacent to the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, which was also developed by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. Both buildings look quite similar, in that they both follow a French architectural scheme.
The RSA Battle House Tower is notable for its modern design and energy-efficient features. It has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the state. In addition to office space, the RSA Battle House Tower features a number of amenities for tenants and visitors, including a fitness center, conference facilities, and a food court. The tower also has a number of public areas, including a rooftop observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city.
Economic Makeup of Mobile
The "backbone" of Mobile
Mobile, Alabama is a major city located on the Gulf Coast of the United States. It is the second most populous city in the state and serves as a hub for industry, commerce, and transportation in the region. The economy of Mobile has a diverse base, with a mix of manufacturing, service, and trade industries. The city is home to a number of major manufacturing firms, including Austal USA, a shipbuilder that employs over 4,000 people in the area. Mobile is also a major hub for the aerospace industry, with companies such as Airbus and GKN Aerospace operating facilities in the city.
In addition to manufacturing, Mobile has a strong service sector, with healthcare (USA), education (MCPSS), and tourism (Visit Mobile!) being major contributors to the economy. The city is home to several hospitals and healthcare providers, and it is also home to the University of South Alabama, a public research university. Tourism is also an important part of the economy, with the city's coastal location and cultural attractions drawing visitors from around the region. Trade is another important component of the economy in Mobile. The city is home to the Port of Mobile, the largest port in the United States by break bulk forest products. The port is a major gateway for imports and exports and is a major driver of economic activity in the region.
Overall, the economy of Mobile is diverse and has shown steady growth in recent years. The city has a strong business climate and is home to a number of major companies and organizations that contribute to its economic prosperity (Coca Cola, Austal, Airbus, Alabama Power, etc.)
Quick Fun-Facts
Buildings & Economy
Architecture
Mobile’s architecture is based on French Colonial design. From the many houses, to the tall skyscrapers, to the beautiful storefronts.
Skyline
The skyline of downtown Mobile is the most recognizable of any skyline in Alabama. With its unique French architecture and contrast of bright, colored lights at night, it can't go unseen.
Image credited to Wikipedia Commons.
New France
Back in the 1700’s, Mobile was the capital of New France. Most of current day US territory and Canada was all governed by Mobile, the beating heart of New France.
Schooling
Mobile’s school system is HUGE. With a population of 57,000 students and 8,000 teachers. The school system even won an award from the US Government for “Best Elementary School in the US.”
Height of Alabama
At the height of Alabama is the RSA Battle House tower in Mobile. The RSA Battle House Tower (745FT) took the spot for "Tallest building in Alabama" in 2007, and has NEVER been broken by any other building!
At night, as seen in the picture, it is lit purple. During football games, holidays, seasons,
and other important dates, the lights will resemble the color scheme of that date/holiday.
Especially on Mardi Gras! The RSA Tower is not the only tower with lights. The
Bank Trust Building, Renaissance Riverview Hotel, Government Plaza, Mobile Holiday
Inn, and Convention Center all light up in sequence.
Tallest building in Alabama
Some of us Mobilians like to flex it.
Annexation
Every city probably does it a few times in their 'lifetime'. Some may oppose it, but in the
end, majority vote rules. Mobile tried to annex in 2019, but it did not go so well. However,
after picking up some traction in 2021 and 2022, Mobile passed (0-6) an annexation plan.
On July 18, 2023, thousands of voters in three areas of West Mobile went to the polls and
elected to join the City of Mobile. After the votes were certified on July 25, 2023, Mobile
saw its population increase to more than 206,000 residents and became the 2nd largest
city in the State of Alabama (Congratulations, Mobile)!
Mobile also, more recently, has started talk about annexing the Big Creek Lake area. The annexation of the Big Creek Lake and the surrounding areas is actually more important than it seems.
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Big Creek Lake is the primary water source for the city, and annexing it would give Mobile direct control over critical decisions that impact the watershed. Without annexation, the city is limited in its ability to enforce environmental regulations, manage development, or control pollution sources in the area. Annexation would allow Mobile to implement stricter zoning laws and development restrictions, ensuring that activities in the surrounding areas do not jeopardize water quality. This is especially significant as suburban growth in west Mobile increases, bringing with it potential risks such as stormwater runoff, construction sediment, and the misuse of chemical fertilizers.
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Additionally, bringing Big Creek Lake under the city’s jurisdiction strengthens infrastructure oversight and emergency preparedness. The lake plays a pivotal role in the drinking water system, and centralizing its management with Mobile’s Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) would allow for improved maintenance, real-time monitoring, and quicker response in case of contamination or drought. As environmental challenges like climate change make water resources more vulnerable, this level of governance becomes essential for long-term sustainability.​
(More information on this topic will be available as it releases, this is an ongoing discussion)
BIG
CREEK
LAKE
The Port of Mobile
The Port of Mobile is a deep-water port in Mobile, Alabama, United States. It is the only deep-water port in Alabama. It was ranked by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as the 9th largest port by tonnage in the nation during 2014, with a trade volume of 64.3 million tons.
The port is located along the Mobile River where it empties into Mobile Bay. The Port of Mobile has public, deepwater terminals with direct access to 1,500 miles of inland and intracoastal waterways serving the Great Lakes, the Ohio and Tennessee river valleys (via the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway), and the Gulf of Mexico. The Alabama State Port Authority owns and operates the public terminals at the Port of Mobile. The public terminals handle containerized, bulk, break bulk, roll-on/roll-off, and heavy lift cargoes. The port is also home to private bulk terminal operators. The container, general cargo, and bulk facilities have immediate access to two interstate systems and five Class I railroads. Additionally, the CG Railway operates from the port as a rail ferry service to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, in Mexico.
The Port of Mobile is the largest breakbulk forest products port in the United States, and the Alabama State Port Authority's McDuffie Terminal is one of the largest coal terminals in the United States and the largest import coal terminal. The port was the fourth largest exporter of coal in 2012, with the majority exported for metallurgical processes. The largest shares of coal exports from Mobile went to Europe and South America.
The Alabama State Port Authority announced in 2010 that $360 million would be spent over the following years to improve infrastructure at the port. Improvements included land acquisition, new rail, intermodal yards, cargo terminal improvements, and enhancements to improve servicing of deep-water oil and gas field vessels and equipment. Since 2000, the Port Authority has undergone nearly $500 million in capital improvements and expansion projects to serve containerized, bulk and break bulk commodities. Improvements include a new rail ferry terminal, new warehousing, a new container terminal, and expansions at the McDuffie Coal Terminal. The Port of Mobile had an estimated statewide economic impact approaching $98 billion annually in 2022.
Recently, there has been an uptick in projects at The Port. Such as the dredging for larger ships, and a new Austal USA expansion. The port area has also seen a jump in construction projects, with the new 'Riverwalk Plaza Hotel' construction [est start date in 2025], Heroes Plaza [Currently in construction], Convention Center improvements, the Civic Center redesign, Civic Center Parking Deck, and the Army Corps of Engineers South Regional Headquarters [which is coming along very well].
Image credited to Wikipedia Commons.
Image credited to Wikipedia Commons.
Image credited to Wikipedia Commons.
Revitalizing Mobile
For many years, parts of Mobile have badly needed reconstruction and vitalization. Some areas include the current Civic Center area, the George Wallace Tunnel, Airport BLVD [as a whole!], Cooper Riverside Park, St. Louis ST, Francis ST, Canal ST, McGregor Ave, and the back side of the Shoppes at Bel Air. All of the areas listed are currently under construction, with new road networks, repaved roadways, sidewalks, improved drainage, bike lanes, roundabouts, greenery, and complete overhauls of the areas. More projects are being pushed out weekly, with the recent announcement of the Austal USA project to expand their manufacturing capacity.
Image credited to Wikipedia Commons.
The Mobile Civic Center
Built in 1963, the Mobile Civic Center was the best performing center and theater along the gulf coast. The center hosted celebrities like Elvis, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Guns N' Roses, The Eagles, and Elton John. It was a premiere destination for those wanting to enjoy performances and theatre from many different genres.
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In recent years, the Civic Center has shown its age. Bricks falling off of the building, the dome continuing to yellow, mold, cracked ceilings, walls, and floors, paint ripping, and just decaying infrastructure prompted the Stimpson administration to start the process of revitalization. Stimpson proposed to demolish the current Civic Center and rebuild fresh. This would greatly modernize the area, but many voiced unsupportive opinions about the demolition of a historical building. To compromise, the administration included aspects that reference the previous design, and keep the French-like architecture of Mobile, rather than opting for an extremely modern, contemporary design.
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The "New Arena" will be able to hold a little over 10,000 individuals, and will have the ability to house a PROFESSIONAL hockey team (Mobile Mysticks coming back?) The design also includes multiple ballrooms capable of hosting events of all sizes — offering greater flexibility for Mardi Gras balls and local events and creating additional spaces for conventions. In addition to concerts and live performances, the new Arena will be able to host ice skating performances and many other youth, collegiate and professional sporting events.
Image credited to Downtown Mobile Alliance
Image credited to AL.com. / City of Mobile
Image credited to AL.com. / City of Mobile
Pardon our Progress
Debuting next week:
-The new Bay Way Bridge Project
-McGregor AVE Restoration Project
-MLK Ave Revitalization Project
