The New Student's Reference Work/Mobile (bay)

Mobile, a bay on the coast of Alabama, about 30 miles long and 10 or 12 wide. The entrance from the Gulf of Mexico is only three miles wide, and is guarded by Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. It also has an outlet on the southwest, used by small steamers between Mobile and New Orleans. The upper part of the bay is shallow, and is becoming more so all the time from the sediment left by the rivers flowing into it. There are three lighthouses on its shores. One of the great naval battles of the Civil War was fought (Aug. 5, 1864) between Admirals Farragut and Buchanan on the bay.