Historic Fort Barrancas Escambia County Florida
Throughout history, Florida has been the site of military outposts. Whether Spanish, English, or American, all nations had a stake in the land.
Fort Barrancas, on a bluff overlooking Pensacola Bay, is an example of this. It’s part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It was deactivated in 1947 but restored during 1971-1980.
Fort Barranca History
Pensacola Bay, a deep water port, was the focal point of military battles between Spain, Great Britain, and France during the 17th century. The United States acquired Florida in 1821, and the city’s military significance grew.
Fort Barrancas, expanded with brick between 1839-1844, was one of four fortifications protecting the bay and U.S. Navy Yard from enemy attack. The fort was situated on a bluff facing the harbor entrance. A great place to also visit is Fort Pickens Area Of Gulf Island National Shore
It was designed by Joseph Gilbert Totten and connected to a Spanish-built water battery via an underground walkway tunnel. Major William Henry Chase supervised the construction, which was mostly done by enslaved African-American workers.
Fort Barrancas Artifacts
The historic fort is home to an array of artifacts, from Civil War photographs and a muster roll to a harmonica fragment and a recruitment song sheet. These objects reflect the role that Fort Barrancas played in Florida’s history, from defense against Spanish invasion to being the site of the Civil War. Browse around this site
The National Park Service operates this National Historic Landmark on the grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola. Visitors need a military ID card to enter the base. There are also ranger-guided walks and talks on the forts’ Civil War past.
Fort Barrancas Tours
Sitting high on a bluff overlooking the entrance to Pensacola Bay, Fort Barrancas is one of the Gulf Coast's most interesting masonry castles. With 6 million bricks and walls 4 feet thick and 20 feet high, it was completed in 1844 and remains a marvel of military engineering.
Visitors can hike on a series of trails and see exhibits at the visitor center. There are also ranger programs, passport stamps, restrooms, and parking available.
The fort is on the Naval Air Station Pensacola complex but is open to the public for tours. A ranger can provide more information on the fort and its history.
Parking
Located on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Historic Fort Barrancas Escambia County Florida is a historic military fort that was built to protect Pensacola Bay from invasion. Today, it is part of the Naval Air Station Pensacola and is open to visitors for tours.
The park is also home to a number of other historical attractions and is an excellent choice for a family day trip. Whether you are interested in learning about the Civil War or enjoying the scenery, there is something for everyone!
Parking is available in the lot near the visitor center. There is also 2-hour street parking around the complex.
Fees
Located on the grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola, Historic Fort Barrancas Escambia County Florida was originally built to protect Pensacola Bay from invasion. It was deactivated in 1793 and is now a National Historic Landmark.
During its long history, the area around the fort switched hands many times, with Spain, France, and Britain all using it as a base. Today it serves as the namesake fort of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Visitors to the Fort can tour its fort, battery, and advanced redoubt. They can also visit the visitor center and bookstore. The fort is open Thursday through Monday from 9 am to 4:15 pm.
