Because Dauphin Island is the first land encountered by many birds as they migrate north from South America, many species can be found resting there before continuing their journey.

[8] Serpentine shell middens, perhaps 1,500 years old, attest to at least seasonal occupation by the Native American Mississippian Mound Builder culture.

Shell Mound Park, along the island's northern shore, is administered by the Alabama Marine Resources Division.

In 1519, the Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda was the first documented European to visit, staying long enough to map the island with remarkable accuracy.

The island's French history began on January 31, 1699, when the explorer Pierre Le Moyne, sieur d'Iberville, one of the founders of French Louisiana, arrived at Mobile Bay and anchored near the island on his way to explore the mouth of the Mississippi River.

[9] D'Iberville later established a port for Fort Louis de La Louisiane on the island due to its abundant timber, reliable supply of fresh water, and deep-water harbor.

After the American Revolutionary War, the territory again came under Spanish jurisdiction, being part of the Province of West Florida until 1812.

In 1795 after the Treaty of San Lorenzo was signed between Spain and the United States, new settlers began migrating to Alabama from Virginia, North & South Carolina and Georgia.

The Creek tribes aggressively fought to hold their lands, but eventually were forced to cede in 1813.

The phrase, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead," was supposedly spoken by U. S. Admiral David Farragut just a few hundred yards from Dauphin Island's shore.

The first Sand Island Light, authorized in 1834, was replaced by a structure 150 feet (46 m) high, at a cost of $35,000, that was destroyed by Confederate forces.

In 2023, a large alligator was spotted riding waves and sunbathing on the beach of Dauphin Island.

While alligators traditionally live in freshwater, they are able to tolerate salt water as well according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

[10] Dauphin Island is 15 miles (24 km) long from east to west, separating the Gulf of Mexico to the south from the Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay to the north.

[2] The Dauphin Island Bridge, officially the Gordon Persons Bridge, is the island's sole road connection to the Alabama mainland, carrying State Route 193, which leads north 27 miles (43 km) to Tillmans Corner in the southwest outskirts of Mobile.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

Some recent storms include: The old walled Fort Gaines is on the east end of Dauphin Island.

A ferry from nearby Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores brings both vehicles and pedestrians to the island.

One of the closest attractions to the ferry dock is The Estuarium, a fresh- and saltwater aquarium highlighting species native to Alabama.