Mobile was founded as the capital of colonialFrench Louisiannain 1702 and remained a part ofNew France for over 60 years. During 1720, when France warred with Spain, Mobile was on the battlefront, so the capital moved west toBiloxi.In 1763,Britain took control of the colony following its victory in the Seven Years War. Following theAmerican Revolutionary War, Mobile did not become a part of the United States, as it was part of territory captured by Spain from Great Britain in 1780.

Mobile is a port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The WWII-era USS Alabama battleship is anchored in Battleship Memorial Park. Floats, costumes, and photos at the Mobile Carnival Museum illuminate the city’s centuries-old Mardi Gras tradition. The 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception features intricate German stained glass. International fine and decorative art are displayed at the Mobile Museum of Art.