Ask McGehee: A “Warehouse District” in Mobile?
While it was not officially called the warehouse district, there was, beginning in the 19th century, a small city of...
Shrimp Boat Revival
Skip Jones flips through a photo album of before-and-after pic-tures of the shrimp boat he has spent the past four years resurrecting. The...
Ask McGehee: What ever happened to the Bienville Hotel?
In 1900, it was announced that Mobile would soon have a new hotel on the northwest corner of St. Francis and St....
Ask McGehee: Mobile buildings had a lot more ironwork in years past. What...
In 1839, the popular architect Asher Benjamin recommended cast iron in his book, “The Builder’s Guide.” He noted its low cost...
Ask McGehee: The former Higgins Mortuary
The building had a storied past as both a social club and a mortuary. One of the most well-respected funeral homes, Higgins...
Port City (Trivial) Pursuit
1. Legend has it the Copeland outlaw gang buried ____________________ in water-proof kegs in Wragg Swamp, the name of the area where...
Ask McGehee: How has Santa Claus visited Mobile in the past?
Throughout the 19th century Santa developed from the Dutch tradition of a “jolly old elf” to the robust, bearded man described by...
Ask McGehee: Bankhead Tunnel
Ironically, the tunnel was named for a family that never lived in Mobile. And Tallulah had nothing to do with its construction....
The Shipwreck that Changed the World
In the 1780s, Spain’s many wars had depleted its treasury. King Carolus III ordered new silver coins minted to replenish royal coffers...
