[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5110]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL OF DAUPHIN ISLAND JOINING THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2013

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the bicentennial of Dauphin 
Island, Alabama, joining the United States of America. On this date in 
1813, Spain handed over the 14-mile-long, 1\3/4\-mile-wide barrier 
island, located at the mouth of Mobile Bay, to the United States.
  Dauphin Island has a long and rich history which spans nearly 500 
years since it was first mapped by Alonzo Pineda in 1519. In fact, 
according to some accounts, it may have caught the eye of western 
explorers even earlier.
  In 1699, French explorers landed on the small island, providing an 
anchor for the establishment of the French colony of Mobile. The French 
gave the island its present day name. When nearby Fort Louis de la 
Mobile became capital of the French Louisiana Territory, Dauphin 
Island, with its deep water and strategic location, was home to trading 
ships, settlers and naval surveillance.
  Dauphin Island was threatened by the Spanish in 1719 during the 
Pensacola War. Hurricanes and changing conditions on the island also 
had an impact on the history and development of the island. During the 
great storm of 1740, nearly half the island was washed away, including 
300 head of cattle. After the French left Dauphin Island around 1763, 
the English took possession of the tiny barrier island until it was 
finally captured by the Spaniards in 1781. Two years later, Dauphin 
Island was taken by General James Wilkinson and claimed by the United 
States.
  In 1822, Fort Gaines was constructed by the United States Army on the 
eastern side of the island and it remained in U.S. hands until 1861 
when Confederate-allied troops took possession. The fort was 
surrendered and returned to Union forces in 1864.
  Today, Dauphin Island has long since relinquished its long-held 
military role for another of equal importance. As Alabama's barrier 
island, it is also a natural protector of the coast from hurricanes and 
tropical storms for an ever growing south Mobile County. It is also a 
popular tourist destination and home to 1,200 permanent residents. 
Thousands of visitors come each year to Dauphin Island to experience 
the sun and surf as well as the wildlife.
  The Island is also home to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, an Audubon 
Bird Sanctuary, and Dauphin Island Campground. Fishing piers provide 
access to Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi Sound for shallow water 
fishing for the land lovers, while charter boats offer deep water 
fishing excursions.
  As the people of Dauphin Island celebrate the bicentennial of their 
beautiful island becoming an official part of the United States, I 
extend greetings and best wishes on behalf of the House of 
Representatives. May Dauphin Island's significant role in our nation's 
long history never be forgotten.

                          ____________________