Mobile is located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. It has an area of one hundred fifty square miles and is home to a quarter million residents. Due to its strategic location between Mobile River and Mobile Bay, it is the only seaport in the entire state of Alabama. Mobile has been shuffled between a number of different countries' rule since its inception in 1702. Originally, it was the capital of colonial French Louisiana. During the next century, Mobile's leadership would transfer from France to Britain and onto Spain. In 1813, Alabama became a part of the United States, but withdrew in 1861 to join the Confederacy during the Civil War. After the war, Alabama became a US state for good. The city of Mobile is full of prime examples of historic architecture. Mobile has nine historic districts in all and most of the structures in the districts pre-date the Civil War. The Old Dauphine Way Historic District includes over 7,000 acres and more than 1,400 historic structures. Oakleigh Garden Historic District is comprised of 1,400 acres and is home to 288 historic structures. There are more than forty five public parks in the city of Mobile and each one offers something different to visitors. Bienville Park is dedicated to the founders of Mobile and has been recognized as a city park since 1824. Theodore Roosevelt delivered a speech in this park during his presidency. Bienville Park is dotted with vintage touches like benches and a cast iron fountain dating back to the 1850s. Langan Park is another city park in Mobile and covers 780 acres. It offers typical park activities like tennis courts, natural spaces, lakes, and playgrounds. Also located in Langan Park is the Mobile Museum of Art and Mobile Botanical Gardens. Two very unique attractions in Mobile are the Medical Museum and the Carnival Museum. The Medical Museum is housed in a historic building and has a collection of medical tools and implements dating back to the early 1700s. The Carnival Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the strong history of Mobile’s Carnival Season - better known as Mardi Gras. Contrary to popular belief, Mardi Gras isn’t only a Louisiana tradition. Carnival has been celebrated in Mobile since the early 1700s. Mobile’s present-day Carnival celebrations start in November and run through January 5. The Carnival Museum has fourteen rooms, a pictorial hallway, theater, and gift shop. Visitors can watch informational videos on float construction and costume design in the theater. The Carnival Museum also has special activities designed for children. Some of the items in the museums collection are crowns, scepters, and robes of Mardi Gras monarchs, historical photos dating back to 1886, and a replica of a real Carnival float that allows visitors the mock-experience of riding in a Carnival parade.