Each year, tourists flock to Gulf Shores, AL, for its vacation rentals and condos near warm waters and crystalline sands. The real estate team at Coastal Properties in Orange Beach, AL, advise that there is a rich culture and history behind this coastal getaway. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or are thinking of settling down, dig into the history behind Gulf Shores to learn what shaped it into a must-visit town.

The Early Years

Gulf Shores was largely inaccessible wetland for centuries, inhabited only by local Native Americans including the Creek, Alibama, and Seminole tribes. Pirates often hid out in the area as well. Christopher Columbus rested there in 1507 while sailing to Mexico, and Hernando De Soto made a stop as well while looking for the Fountain of Youth. Many intriguing facts, such as hidden pirate treasure and burial grounds pre-dating the Egyptian pyramids, dot the area’s early years. It would later play a pivotal role in the Civil War, particularly in the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.

The Rise of Tourism

Gulf Shores was reborn as a tourist destination once the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway was completed in 1937. The removal of wetlands made the pristine beaches accessible, and the first hotel was opened in 1947. This also led to a rise in the coastal shrimping industry. The city’s first official population was listed at 120 residents in 1956. Natural disasters, including Hurricane Frederic, plagued the area until the late 1970s; however, they gradually set the stage for a larger tourist industry. Following the first beachfront condo in 1979, countless high-rises, vacation rentals, and other homes have been built, attracting endless amounts of tourists each year and fueling a growing economy with an ever-evolving culture.

If you’re ready to experience Gulf Shores, book one of Coastal Properties’s many vacation rentals. They’ve proudly welcomed renters for over 19 years and offer a large selection of private and amenity-rich rental properties. Each is conveniently located by the best Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have to offer, and their team is happy to help you with every aspect of your trip. Call (251) 981-4951 to book one of their vacation rentals, or visit their website to learn more about their rental services.