Fairhope and Surrounding Cities

The Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay is not only a beautiful treasure offering some of the best waterfront real estate in Alabama, but the history here is fascinating.

We have beautiful beaches, fantastic shopping, and lodging ranging from quaint bed and breakfast inns to world class southern resorts.  The Eastern Shore is a one-of-a-kind area.

Our relaxed lifestyle here is typical of the old South, but with all the modern conveniences.  The people here are friendly, and there is always something to do – concerts overlooking the Bay, festivals, art galleries, community theater.  You can be as involved or uninvolved as you desire.

Fairhope has always attracted creative and free-thinking people.  There are many writers, craftsmen, and artists who call Fairhope home. 

History along the Eastern Shore

Fairhope was founded in 1894, when settlers came from all over the United States looking for a place to implement an economic experiment called “single tax”.  When they discovered what is now known as Fairhope, they declared there was a “fair hope of success” for their vision.  They set aside land as parks on the bluff overlooking Mobile Bay and in other places throughout the town.  The Fairhope Single Tax Corporation still exists.

The history of our area goes back as far as the Native Americans who came to the bluffs overlooking the Bay for spiritual retreats.  The Spanish Conquistadors explored and settled the shoreline known today as Spanish Fort; the French established a stronghold in Mobile, which celebrated its Tricentennial in 2002.

At the mouth of Mobile Bay, Fort Morgan was established in 1559.  In 1803, the first fort was built. In 1864, during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Admiral Farragut gave his famous orders, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”