Event Summary

“L”andmark Events invites you to join us in Mobile, Alabama as we spend 24 hours surveying two of the most historic sites in this southern seaport.  After a day of exploring a storied battleship, an authentic submarine and perusing vintage aircraft, fathers and sons can spend the night in the original bunks aboard the Battleship Alabama.  We will also learn of local heroes and villains as we visit Magnolia CemeteryResting within its 120 acres are many notables from Mobile’s past.  Among them are: Confederate General Braxton Bragg, Battle House Hotel owner James Battle, renowned physician Dr. Josiah Nott, twice Governor of Alabama John Gayle, Civil War authoress Augusta Evans Wilson, Cowbellian de Rakin society founder Michael Krafft, and Apache Indian Chappo Geronimo. It will be an unforgettable walk through local history.

Ticket Pricing


(13+)

Full Tour – Battleship & Magnolia Cemetery

$50

+ Pizza Dinner on Battleship $57.50
+ Pizza Dinner & Ship Overnight* $75


(5-12)

Full Tour – Battleship & Magnolia Cemetery

$35

+ Pizza Dinner $42.50
+ Pizza Dinner & Ship Overnight* $60


(0-4)

Full Tour – Battleship & Magnolia Cemetery

$0

+ Pizza Dinner
+ Pizza Dinner & Ship Overnight* N/A

* Men and boys only.

Overnight guests will need to print and sign the release form in order to sleep aboard the ship.


Dad Can’t Make It?

Young men whose fathers are unable to join us on the tour are welcome to spend the night with the other boys and men onboard the battleship! Contact Kevin Turley at (210) 885-9351 or email at info@landmarkevents.org for more information and to reserve a bunk!

Tour Highlights

USS Alabama — Mobile Bay

The largest and most costly war in the history of mankind occurred a mere 75 years ago. Millions of men served in the armed forces of most nations in the world and millions died, both civilian and military. In the aftermath, national boundaries changed, governments fell and were replaced, often by worse ones, and a new type of war began between the two superpowers left standing. Among the key weapons that brought about victory for the United States, were the powerful battleships, carriers, and submarines of the Pacific Fleet. We begin our tour aboard one of those battleships, the USS Alabama (BB-60), anchored now in Mobile Bay. The fathers and sons will have the unusual opportunity to spend the first night aboard this iconic ship, sleeping in the bunks of the berthing deck. We have the run of the ship and will be taught by military historian Bill Potter about the war, battleships and the role of the Alabama in many major battles in the Pacific.

Overnight on the USS Alabama

Few things are more thrilling to a boy than overnighting aboard a real battleship in bunks where real sailors slept. That’s what we’re offering as part of our Mobile Alabama Tour that kicks off with the whole family touring the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park on May 2.

Magnolia Cemetery

Spreading out beneath a canopy of ancient oaks in Mobile, Alabama is a magnificent city of the dead. Established by a municipal ordinance in 1836 outside the city limits on thirty-six acres of land, this peaceful place of rest now lies in the heart of historic Mobile, just blocks from downtown. Today, Magnolia Cemetery covers over 120 acres, and contains some 80,000 grave sites. Originally called the New Burial Ground, the name was officially changed to Magnolia Cemetery on January 15, 1867. The variety and array of funerary art on display are breathtaking; from hauntingly mournful angels to elaborate urns, anchors, lambs, and crosses symbolizing hope, mercy, forgiveness, and memory.
Resting within its 120 acres are many notables from Mobile’s past. Among them are: Confederate General Braxton Bragg, Battle House Hotel owner James Battle, renowned physician Dr. Josiah Nott, Civil War authoress Augusta Evans Wilson, Cowbellian de Rakin society founder Michael Krafft, and Apache Indian Chappo Geronimo.

Event Speakers

Bill Potter

An experienced historian and avid bibliophile, Bill Potter combines a lifelong study of American history with an uncommon ability to captivate audiences of all ages as he traces the providential acts of God throughout the ages. Mr. Potter has taught history in high schools and colleges, has led many tours of American and European historical sites and brings to each event a wealth of experience and knowledge. An experienced researcher and writer, Mr. Potter possesses a practical knowledge of antiquarian books, documents, and artifacts and has published several short books and has penned many articles and book reviews for publication. Bill has earned a well-deserved reputation as a man gifted in communicating the story of God’s providential hand in American history. As a father of eight children, he appreciates the necessity of passing on to the succeeding generations the richness of both our regional and national history. He and his wife, Leslie, reside in Virginia.

Historian Bill Potter

Event Schedule

Wednesday, May 2

1:00pm

    Meet at USS Alabama Memorial Park
(2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36603)

1:30pm

    USS Alabama Battleship Park Overview with Bill Potter

2:30pm

    Free time to explore park

4:00pm

6:00pm

    Overnight guests (men and boys only) gather gear and stow in bunks — remember your Release Forms.

Pizza Dinner on board Battleship

8:00pm

    Park closes for non-overnight guests.
Pizza dinner on battleship (men and boys only)
Thursday, May 3

7:00am

    Overnight guests clean bunk area, vacate battleship

10:00am

    Magnolia Cemetery — 1202 Virginia St, Mobile, AL 36660

12:00pm

      Tour concludes –
         

6:00pm

      Vendor Hall Opens at Teach Them Diligently Convention

Stop by our booth (#TBA) to register to win a $100 Gift Certificate!

*Bill Potter’s session schedule: TBA

Accommodations

Mobile, Alabama

Sleep Aboard the USS Alabama!

All aboard! Landmark Events guests (men and boys only) have the remarkable opportunity to spend Wednesday night, May 2nd, in the bunks aboard the Alabama! All overnight guests should bring their own sheets, blankets or sleeping bags. Standard twin bedding will fit the bunks. Showers are available. You will be responsible for bringing your own towels, washcloths, soap, etc. All berthing areas are climate-controlled (air-conditioned & heated) for your comfort. $25 per person. Purchase tickets through event registration process.

Mobile

Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
For those that will be attending the Teach Them Diligently Convention where Bill Potter will be speaking – there are special rates at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel under Teach Them Diligently.  Reserve your DISCOUNTED room at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel by clicking here or by calling (251) 438-4000 and mentioning Teach Them Diligently. These rates are only available for rooms booked by April 17, 2018

There are many lodging options in Mobile with a wide variety of rates and amenities.  We find Trip Advisor to be helpful when scouting properties, and VRBO is an excellent resource families seeking furnished houses or apartments in the area.   

 

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Study Preparation

Key People

General Braxton Bragg

James Battle

Dr. Josiah Nott

Augusta Evans Wilson

Michael Krafft

Chappo Geronimo.

Key Events

Battles in the Marianas
Gilberts
Philippine Sea
Preaching in the Confederate armies
Preparations for D-Day
D-Day

Key Issues

Causes and Accountability for WWII
The Nature of Warfare in the Modern World
Even the Best Men are Sinful
Just War
What Did the Confederacy Stand For?

Recommended Reading

D-Day, by Stephen Ambrose

Theodore Roosevelt: The Life of a War Hero, by H. Paul Jeffers

Decision in Normandy, by Carlos D’Este

A Short History of WWII, by James Stokesbury

American Lion, by Jon Meachum

Upcoming Events

Cradle of Liberty Tour
Aug 15-20, 2024