Fort Gaines is described as a haunted site with reports of a gentleman in military dress, phantom gunshots from the Battle of Mobile Bay, and disembodied voices in the fort's tunnels, reflecting its history as a Civil War fortification on Dauphin Island. Visitors have reported the spectral sounds of cannon fire and voices commanding them to "get out" within the tunnels. A military-dressed gentleman is often seen staring out at the Gulf. Another sighting includes a woman in a full dress walking the parapets of the fort. Eyewitnesses have documented the sounds of ghostly gunshots echoing through the fort, a chilling remnant of the Battle of Mobile Bay. Visitors have heard voices in the fort's tunnels, some telling them to "get out". The fort's Civil War history is a key source for its haunting lore, particularly during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Built with over three million bricks, the fort was established in 1821 and stands at the entrance of Mobile Bay. Reports include a red-headed Indian Chief who left phosphorescent footprints on the beaches at night. The sound of Indian maidens singing and the beat of drums have been reported on the island. White lights, possibly orbs, have been seen emanating from the shell mounds at night on certain dates.