During the Civil War, Fort Barrancas was taken over by the Confederates even though Fort Pickens remained in the hands of the Union.įort Barrancas remained an active part of the coastal defense system until 1947, protecting Pensacola Bay from foreign invaders. Over the years, the location changed hands Spanish, French, British, and American. At a strategic location overlooking Pensacola Bay, the Spanish first built fortifications near here as early as 1698. ![]() Fort Barrancasįort Barrancas is located across the bay from Fort Pickens, on the mainland. Fort McRae was left in ruins, but the National Park Service has restored both Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas. This fort was one of three forts that protected the area – Fort Pickens, Fort McRae and Fort Barrancas. In the 1890’s the fort was upgraded and gun batteries were spread out around the fort, tucked into the dunes and on watch for U-Boats during World War II. Later this fort was used to hold captives from the Indian Wars, including Geronimo. (One of the others was Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas.)įort Pickens repelled Confederate attack in 1861. Built using 21.5 million bricks, this pentagonal fort was one of only four southern forts held by the Union during the Civil War. History Fort PickensĪt the west end of Santa Rosa Island is Fort Pickens, built in the 1830’s to guard the island and entrance to the harbor. ![]() From there you can drive along the barrier island in either direction, with lots of places where you can park and access the beach to walk, swim or just enjoy the sunny shores. The main entrance to the national seashore is from Pensacola Beach, taking the bridge across Pensacola Bay. Things to Do at Gulf Islands National Seashore Beach Founded in 1971, Gulf Islands National Seashore celebrates its 50th birthday on January 8, 2021. There are forts, WW II pillboxes, lighthouses, live oak forests, salt marshes and coastal bayous. The national seashore is 160 miles long and spans from Florida to Mississippi.īut it is more than a beach. Gulf Islands National Seashore along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico offers just this kind of beach. We love those long deserted seashores where you can walk for miles without seeing anything other than the dunes listening to the waves crash along the shore and hearing the sea birds as they soar overhead. Pets are not allowed on any beaches sound and gulf side, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside facilities.Over the holidays, we were talking to each other about our favorite beaches. This policy is strictly enforced.Įntrance fees are required for the Fort Pickens area and are good for seven consecutive days from purchase. Choose a site that will accommodate all of your equipment.Ĭampers may not stay in the campground more than 14 consecutive days. Many of our sites have restrictions from low limbs or bushes so be sure you will fit. We offer electric and non-electric sites. There are heated showers and flush toilets. Come explore with us today!Įach camp site offers a fire pit, picnic table, and a paved pad to park on. Visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. For more information on obtaining a pass click the link here.įort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. A visitor information center is located at the west end of the island and includes a history museum in the area. The Fort Pickens area is anchored by the historic landmark and offers many recreational activities including fishing both from the shore and the pier, exploring trails and the fort, birdwatching, camping and so much more. ![]() Entrance fees are required and collected upon admittance into the park. Located on Pensacola Beach on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens is accessible by foot and boat and is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Fort Pickens is one of four military forts designed to protect Pensacola in the 1800s.
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