Gulf Shores City Map Poster

About Gulf Shores

The city is a popular vacation spot for families and college students, with attractions including the Gulf State Park. The area has been nicknamed "Alabama's Playground". Gulf Shores was founded in 1969 as a resort town by Robert Davis, who purchased the land intending to develop it into an upscale beach community. It was originally named Gulf Shores Plantation, but this name was changed after several months when residents petitioned for a name change because they felt that having 'plantation' in its name would deter potential buyers from other states and countries. In 1970, Davis sold his interest to John Sperling of Phoenix-based University Research Corporation (URC) who formed URC/Gulfshores Inc., which managed development of the property until it became incorporated as City of Gulf Shores on June 1st 1975 with Mayor James Hargrove becoming its first elected mayor.