Mobile was founded by French colonists in 1702 as the capital of colonial La Louisiane. During its first 100 years, Mobile was a colony for France, then Britain, and lastly Spain. Mobile first became a part of the United States of America in 1813, with the annexation of West Florida. In 1861, Alabama joined the Confederate States of America, which surrendered in 1865.
Mobile is known for having the oldest organized Carnival celebrations in the United States. The festival began to be celebrated in the first decade of the 18th century by French colonists. Later, in 1711, the first Carnival society was formed. Mobile was host to the first formally organized Carnival mystic society in the United States, known as the Cowbellions de Rakin Society, in 1830. Many of the current traditions of Mardi Gras in Mobile were inherited from this group.
Mobile is known for having the oldest organized Carnival celebrations in the United States. The festival began to be celebrated in the first decade of the 18th century by French colonists. Later, in 1711, the first Carnival society was formed. Mobile was host to the first formally organized Carnival mystic society in the United States, known as the Cowbellions de Rakin Society, in 1830. Many of the current traditions of Mardi Gras in Mobile were inherited from this group.