At Fort Morgan, soldiers gave their lives in defense of the country, remembered as the pride of seven flags under which the site passed through war and changing rule. Battles and transfers of control there included France against England in 1711, France against Spain in 1719, cession by France to England in 1763, Spain against England in 1780, and cession by England to Spain in 1783. It became part of Mississippi Territory in 1812, saw a battle between the United States and Spain in 1813, began construction of the present fort in 1813, saw battles between the United States and England in 1814 and 1815, became part of Alabama Territory by act of Congress in 1817, and completed construction of the present fort in 1833. In 1864 it was the site of a battle between the Confederate Army and the Federal Navy, in 1898 it was occupied by the United States Army during the Spanish American War, from 1914 through 1918 it was occupied by the United States Army and Navy during World War I, and from 1941 through 1944 it was occupied by the United States Army, Navy and Coast Guard during World War II.