Gatalop is open to the public, making it more than just an event – it is also a large demo as well. We wish to make the public welcome, and ask for your help with this. Please remember to be polite and considerate to our modern guests as they tour the fort during the event.

Rules Regarding Children at Fort Gaines

Due to the primitive nature of the event site and for the safety of all children attending events at Ft. Gaines, Dauphin Island, AL, there will be strict enforcement of Meridian Kingdom Law, Article VII-107, “Children”, Section (b).

Upon arrival, an ID bracelet will be placed on each child under the age of 12. If the bracelet is removed before the end of the event, the parent/guardian and the child will be escorted off site.

While the child is receiving the bracelet, the parent/guardian will receive a copy of the “Rules” and be requested to read them. Parents/guardians must sign the roster, which states that they have received a copy of the “rules”, read and understood them, and agree to abide by them.

Children under 12 are not allowed on the walls of the fort without the direct supervision of an adult.

Warning system:

As with SCA fighting rules, your signature on the roster acknowledging receipt of the rules is the first warning.

If a child under 12 is found unsupervised, he/she will be brought to the autocrat. The child’s bracelet will be punched and the child returned to his/her parent/guardian with the reminder that the next time the child is found unsupervised, they will be asked to leave.

If there is a second incident where the child is found unsupervised, he/she will be taken by the autocrat to his/her parent/guardian. At that time the parent/guardian will be told he/she must take the child and leave the site for the remainder of the event.

The following rules are enforced by Fort Gaines. Failure to comply not only will result in your being removed from the event, but will jeopardize our ability to use the site in the future.

Living History Programs And Volunteer Guidelines For All Time Periods

All participants are expected to be familiar with these guidelines and adhere to them. This listing may be amended as situations present themselves or problems are brought to the attention of the fort’s staff.

Authenticity

Fort Gaines events are invitation only. All participants must be dressed and equipped appropriately for the time period being demonstrated. It is expected that participants will remain in period attire for the duration of the event. In any dispute regarding authenticity, the decision of the fort is final.

Conduct

The living history program and its events are conducted for the educational benefit of the public. Participants should be prepared to speak with and actively engage the public in conversation. All information passed on to the spectator should be factual. If you are confronted with a question regarding the fort or its history and you are unsure of the answer, do not answer the question. At all events a member of the fort’s staff will be available to answer these questions.

• Profane language or gestures shall never be used in the presence of the public.

• Smoking of cigarettes or other none period articles shall not be permitted in view of the public. Additionally, the area around the fort office is a NO SMOKING zone at ALL TIMES.

• No Alcohol during operational hours! No one shall fire a weapon or use an edged weapon after drinking alcohol.

• Usage of illegal narcotics or any illegal activity will not be tolerated and may lead to the participant being arrested.

• Vandalism of the fort or its property (including grounds) is strictly forbidden and may be lead to prosecution.

• Metal detecting or relic hunting of any kind is strictly prohibited and may lead to prosecution.

• Any printed materials or other media should be presented to the fort’s staff for approval prior to their exhibit or distribution.

• Participants are responsible for the safety and security of their own property.

• Anyone caught vandalizing the fort or the grounds will be ordered to leave.

• No parties or large gatherings are to be in the main tunnel/entrance of the fort at night.

Camping and Parking

During large events, participant parking will be restricted to the lot by Battery Terrott. Temporary parking for the purpose of unloading vehicles will be permitted in the Parade Ground. Participants should unload as quickly as possible and move their vehicles to the designated area.

• No vehicles will be allowed to drive into the fort during an event without the permission of fort staff.

• Participants are permitted to use the barracks and other buildings inside the fort. However, space is limited and is on a first come first serve basis. All others should be prepared to sleep on the floor or a period tent.

• Smoking is prohibited inside of the barracks or any other interpretive area inside the fort. Anyone who uses the barracks should be prepared for visitors to enter it and tour it. The barracks is never off limits to the public. The last man out of the barracks shall secure the building by closing windows, extinguish all fires and remove food trash.

• Fires for cooking or warmth may be lit only in areas designated by the fort staff. Fire pits shall not be dug and all fires must be kept below a reasonable height. Note: please bring your own wood as the wood in the fort does not belong to us. In general, it is not illegal to transport firewood into Alabama (unless you are bringing wood from a quarantined area), but please be aware of recommendations regarding firewood transportation and wood pests and, if possible, acquire your firewood nearby.

• Camps located outside of the fort should be arranged in an orderly manner and policed regularly for rubbish and anachronisms.

• The parade ground will be used for all activities including the forming, inspecting, and drilling of troops and for tents.

Restricted Areas and Security

Certain areas on the site are off limits to the public. These areas are clearly marked by signage and fences or other barriers. No one will be allowed on the fort’s upper walls after dark. If you enter these areas you will be asked to leave them by the fort’s staff. If you refuse to cooperate you will be ordered to leave the property. The fort’s decision is FINAL.