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Fort Barrancas |
Situated on a bluff overlooking Pensacola Bay, this is the site of one of the country's first Naval yards, built after Florida gained statehood in 1821. Forts have been built at this location by 3 nations, the first of which was fortifications by Spain in 1698. Britain in 1763. A dry moat surrounds the inner walls and makes access to the fort possible only by way of a drawbridge.
The Fort Barrancas Army Post, east of the fort, later became headquarters for the 13th Coast Artillery Regiment. New weapons in use during World War II finally made all coast artillery obsolete for the US, and the area was turned over to the Navy in 1946; the fort became a part of Gulf Islands National Seashore in 1971.
Following 18 months of restoration costing $1.2 million and using tens of thousands of new bricks, the fort was reopened in 1980 by the National Park Service. Regular tours are offered. The site is closed Christmas Day. Admission is free to the public.
| Location | Pensacola US Naval Air Station Pensacola Florida 32501 |
| Phone | 850-455-5167 |
| Website | http://www.nps.gov/guis/fortbarr.htm |
