Pinto Island facts for kids
Pinto Island is an island located in the state of Alabama, within the city of Mobile. It sits on the northwestern coast of Mobile Bay. The island is surrounded by water and land features. To its west is the Mobile River, to the south is Mobile Bay, and to the east is the Spanish River. To the north, Pinto Pass, which has been partially filled in, connects it to Blakeley Island.
Pinto Island is mainly used for industrial activities, especially shipbuilding. Many important companies have operated here over the years.
Pinto Island's Role in Shipbuilding
Pinto Island has a long history in shipbuilding. This means building and repairing large ships. One of the most well-known companies that operated here was the Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company. Later, it became Atlantic Marine. In 2010, a company called BAE Systems bought Atlantic Marine, and the site became BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards.
In June 2018, BAE Systems Southeast closed its operations on Pinto Island. They sold all their land and shipyards to another company called Austal USA. This sale meant that Austal USA now controls more than half of the land area on Pinto Island, from the center down to the southern shore. Austal USA is a major shipbuilder, especially known for making high-speed ships for the U.S. Navy.
Other Industries on Pinto Island
Besides shipbuilding, other industries also use Pinto Island. The Alabama State Port Authority operates a special terminal on the southern part of the island. This terminal helps transport materials for the ThyssenKrupp steel plant, which is located further up the river in Calvert. This shows how Pinto Island is a key location for different types of businesses that rely on water transportation.
Geography and Location
Pinto Island is not very large. At its widest point, it is about 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) across. Its longest point measures about 1.45 miles (2.3 kilometers). The island's average height above sea level is around 10 feet (3 meters).
Pinto Island is an important part of Mobile's city structure. It, along with the downtown area and Blakeley Island, forms District Two of Mobile's city council districts. This means it's part of how the city is organized for local government and services.
