Dauphin Island, a barrier island closing off the Bay of Mobile in the Gulf of Mexico, has often been hit by devastating hurricanes, including Katrina in 2005. Colonised by the French, it was named after the heir apparent to the throne of France (dauphin). In addition to having a historic fort (Fort Gaines) that dates back to the Civil War, the island boasts magnificent deserted beaches and has a rich diversity of birds.