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Fort Pickens: Guardian of Pensacola Bay

Explore Fort Pickens: a historic landmark on Pensacola Beach offering a glimpse into military history and coastal defense.

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Explore Fort Pickens, a historic pentagonal fortress on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach. Completed in 1834, it played a crucial role in defending Pensacola Bay and remained in Union hands during the Civil War. Today, it stands as a monument to military technology and a reminder of past injustices.

A brief summary to Fort Pickens

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Explore the fort's interior, including the officers' and prisoners' quarters, to get a sense of life during and after the Civil War.
  • Visit the Fort Pickens Visitor Center to discover the wonders of Santa Rosa Island and learn about the area's history.
  • Take advantage of the recreational activities available, such as fishing, birdwatching, and exploring trails.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Interstate 10, take Exit 12 for I-110 South, then exit 1B for Gregory Street East. Merge onto 30 E Chase Street, turn left onto Bayfront Parkway /Hwy 98 East, and merge onto Hwy 399 to Pensacola Beach. Cross the Bob Sikes Bridge (toll $1.00 - $2.50) and turn right onto Fort Pickens Road. Continue through residential areas to the National Seashore gate and entrance station. The road ends in a loop around the historic buildings at Fort Pickens. Parking is available in designated lots. Roadside parking is not permitted.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Route 61 bus to the Fort Pickens Drive at Park West stop. From there, it's a 7-minute walk to Fort Pickens Beach. The Route 61 bus runs from approximately 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) schedule for the most up-to-date information. A single ride fare is $1.75.

  • Ferry

    The Pensacola Bay City Ferry operates seasonally (March - October) from Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach to Fort Pickens. Check the ferry schedule for departure times. This year's ferry rates are $30 for adults, $24 for seniors, military, college students, and persons with disabilities, $20 for youths aged 3-15, and free for 2 and under. Ferry tickets must be purchased online or at the terminal. The price does not include the entrance fee to the National Park.

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Discover more about Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens, located on the western tip of Santa Rosa Island, is a historic pentagonal United States military fort in the Pensacola, Florida area. Named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens, it is the largest of four forts built to defend Pensacola Bay and its navy yard. Construction lasted from 1829 to 1834, utilizing over 21.5 million bricks, with much of the labor performed by enslaved persons. Fort Pickens was a key part of the Third System of Fortifications, designed to enhance coastal defenses. Its pentagonal design allowed for a wide range of fire over the bay, with broader western walls. The fort also featured a counterscarp on the east side to create a defensive moat, and mine chambers in the westernmost bastions. During the Civil War, Fort Pickens remained in Union hands, offering sanctuary to enslaved individuals seeking freedom and serving as a training ground for Black soldiers in the Union Army. In the late 1890s, the fort briefly housed Geronimo, the Apache war chief, drawing thousands of visitors. The Army continued to use Fort Pickens until the end of World War II. Today, Fort Pickens is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can explore the fort, enjoy the beaches, and learn about its rich history.

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