This blog is an effort to provide a look into Alabama's past, specifically ghost towns. I first became interested in ghost towns as a child when my parents and I moved next door to Blakeley State Park in Spanish Fort, AL. Located on the Tensaw river, the town of Blakeley is the oldest municipality in Baldwin County and one of the oldest towns in Alabama. Settled in 1814 by Josiah Blakeley, the short-lived town included "hotels, stores, churches, blacksmith shops, majestic homes, and the first Courthouse of present day Baldwin County,"according to the Blakeley Park website. Additionally, the town published "The Blakely Sun," one of Alabama's earliest newspapers. At one time, Blakeley's population rivaled that of Mobile, but, due to yellow fever and land speculation, there were fewer than 100 inhabitants by 1830.
A map of Blakeley, 1865.
During the Civil War, the territory was made into Fort Blakely [sic], where the last major battle was fought in 1865. Afterwards, the land was unused for over 100 years until it became a state park in 1981. Today, nothing of the old town of Blakeley exists, save what you can find with a metal detector. There is, however, a Confederate soldier cemetery on the 3800-acre property.
The Battle of Blakely, 1865.
Park activities include camping, fishing, bicycle riding, and horseback riding. There is also an annual Civil War reenactment, 4th of July fireworks celebration, and bluegrass festival.
Blakeley on the Tensaw River.
