The Grand Hotel of Point Clear, Ala., marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2011. History enthusiasts will be coming to Alabama to visit historic sites, including the Alabama's Civil War Trail and a stop at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear.
Stay at this historic Gulf Coast hotel at rates from $239 per night, on the "Civil War" package:
- Deluxe accommodations at The Grand, a prime location and historic monument along the Alabama Civil War Trail (The Grand served as a military hospital and a place of refuge during the Civil War)
- Participation in the daily military processional and authentic cannon firing tribute at The Grand
- Breakfast for two in The Grand Dining Room
- Close access to Confederate Rest Cemetery where 300 Confederate soldiers are buried
- A copy of Grand Traditions, the official Grand Hotel book with pictures and stories detailing the Grand's rich history
- The official brochure of the Alabama Civil War Trail
- The official brochure explaining the "Military Legacy" of the Grand Hotel
- A prime location and quick access to other locations along the Alabama Civil War Trail, such as the "Damn the Torpedoes" Trail, Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines
The Grand Hotel, a stand out among golf resorts on the Gulf Coast, serves as a cornerstone of American history having been at the forefront of one the country's defining events. During the Civil War, the Grand saw the infamous Battle of Mobile Bay that, after seeing the Union ship and "Iron Clad" Tecumseh sink due to Confederate torpedoes, Admiral Farragut proclaimed "Damn the Torpedoes, full speed ahead."
Evidence showed that Farragut actually fired on The Grand, causing a hole in the wall that was discovered during some of the hotel's restoration. Next to the hole was written "compliments of Admiral Farragut." More than 300 Confederate soldiers died while in the Civil War hospital at the Grand. They are buried at Confederate Rest, a cemetery adjacent to the grounds of the hotel. The Mobile Civil War Trail that winds around the Grand Hotel provides a comprehensive look at the Civil War, including stops at Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines.
Every day at 4 p.m., a military processional starts in the lobby of The Grand and concludes at the waterfront where a cannon, similar to those used when the Grand opened in 1947, is fired in honor of those who have served and are serving in the military. As part of the Civil War package at The Grand, guests will participate in the processional and cannon firing.
Afterward, traditional tea and an assortment of cookies are served in the lobby. In addition to deluxe accommodations, the package also includes breakfast for two in The Grand Dining Room and Grand Traditions, the official Grand Hotel book with pictures and stories detailing the Grand's rich history.
Book online at www.marriottgrand.com using rate code PKG or call 251-928-9201.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
About the Author
