Christ Church
This historic church was used
as a stable by Union soldiers
during the Civil War.
The Advanced Redoubt
This historic fort is one of a
number of 18th and 19th
century fortifications in and
around Pensacola.
Pensacola, Florida - Historic Sites & Points of Interest
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Historic Sites of Pensacola, Florida
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Historic Sites of Pensacola, Florida
Scenic and Historic Pensacola Bay
One of the most beautiful and scenic spots in the
South, Pensacola is a unique and special place.
450 Years of American History
Located on the Gulf Coast of Northwest
Florida, Pensacola is one of America's most
historic cities. The first Spanish settlement
here dates back to 1559, more than 47 years
before Jamestown and 61 years before the
Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock. Spanish
explorers were in the Pensacola Bay area
even before then.

The initial settlement of Pensacola Bay was
devastated by storms, hunger and disease
and the colony failed. Future efforts, however,
were much more successful. Over time the
residents of the city lived under the flags of
five countries - Spain, France, England, the
United States and the Confederate States of
America.

Although its early history was predominately
Spanish, Pensacola fell into British hands in
1763 as part of the negotiated settlement
ending the French and Indian War. British
troops garrisoned the city during the
American Revolution. Pensacola became the
scene of a major battle of that war in 1781
when Spanish forces and American
volunteers attacked the city.

The city was again a scene of action during
the War of 1812 and First Seminole War. U.S.
forces under Major General Andrew Jackson
attacked and captured the city in both 1814
and 1818.

The 1814 attack came after Jackson learned
that British forces had occupied Pensacola in
violation of Spain's policy of neutrality in the
War of 1812. His forces stormed the city in a
sharp battle, but the British destroyed Fort
Barrancas before it could be captured and
sailed out of the bay.

The 1818 attack was the final significant
action of the First Seminole War. Concerned
over reports that the Spanish were supplying
Indian warriors in arms against the United
States, Jackson took Pensacola and then
captured the rebuilt Fort Barrancas after a
brief bombardment.

Pensacola emerged as a major seaport
during the years before the Civil War and, in
fact, the first hostile shots of that conflict
actually took place on the drawbridge at Fort
Barrancas.

Union troops held Fort Pickens throughout
the war and two major bombardments took
place between soldiers there and Southern
troops occupying the other forts and batteries
surrounding the bay.
During the 20th Century, Pensacola achieved
new fame as the Birthplace of Naval Aviation.
Pensacola Naval Air Station remains a major
American military base and is home to the
National Naval Aviation Museum, old forts,
Barrancas National Cemetery and the
Pensacola Lighthouse.

The city today boasts a spectacular historic
district, beautifully preserved 18th and 19th
century fortifications, museums, nature
preserves and the sparking white sand
beaches of the nearby barrier islands. The
blue water bay is among the most beautiful
in the South.
Pensacola Lighthouse
The historic tower of the
Pensacola Lighthouse soars
above the Florida Gulf Coast.
Pensacola, Florida
This historic city of Pensacola
celebrated the 450th
anniversary of its first
settlement in 2009.
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Copyright 2012 by Dale Cox
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