Siege of Fort Charlotte

at the Colonial Fort Condé

Anniversary Reenactment

The Siege of Fort Charlotte was a key victory for Spanish Governor Bernardo de Gálvez during the Gulf Coast Campaign of the American Revolution. The siege began on March 2 and ended with the British surrender on March 14, 1780. The British garrison, commanded by Captain and Lieutenant Governor Elias Durnford, numbered fewer than 300 men and consisted primarily of soldiers from the 60th Royal American Regiment, along with Pennsylvania-Maryland Loyalists and local volunteers.

The Spanish force, composed of regulars and militia, totaled approximately 1,200 men. After landing near Dog River on February 25, Gálvez advanced toward Mobile and began establishing siege lines around Fort Charlotte. Poor weather slowed the construction of Spanish trenches and batteries, delaying the opening of a full bombardment until March 12. After two days of sustained artillery fire, the Spanish guns breached the fort's walls. With relief from Pensacola failing to arrive, Durnford surrendered Fort Charlotte on March 14, securing Mobile for Spain and paving the way for the later campaign against Pensacola.

An Important Victory

Next Event: March (TBD) , 2027

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Interested in the history of Colonial Fort Condé and colonial Mobile? Visit the Historic Fort Condé to learn more about the people and events that shaped the Gulf Coast during the American Revolution.

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