Fort Pickens
Fort Pickens is the largest of 4 forts built to defend Pensacola Bay and its navy yard. Begun in 1829, completed in 1834, and used until the 1940s the fort has had hard use. Yet with imagination, you can peel back the layers of time to see the history of this place. Like the rings of a tree, the changes to Fort Pickens tell a story for those who can read it.

Fort Pickens was a massive project. Over 21.5 million brick were required, 26,000 casks of lime were shipped from Maine, granite for steps came from Sing-Sing in New York, copper for drains was shipped from Switzerland, and Strong and Underhill Company of New Orleans provided the workforce of skilled slaves.

Seeking a means of defense which would not require a large military in peacetime, the United States relied upon forts to deny harbors to any invader.

As military technology improved the Fort went through various changes. Five reinforced concrete fortifications were built in the Fort Pickens area between 1897 and 1899, and a minefield was prepared for the harbor entrance. Improved amphibious assault tactics, guided missile technology, and the atomic bomb all combined to render coast defense obsolete. Fort Pickens was closed in 1947, after 118 years of service.

Permit Information
No permit needed.

Directions
From Bayfront Parkway, take Hwy. 98 south across Pensecola Bay to the Naval Live Oaks Area. Cross the toll bridge on Hwy. 399 to Pensecola Beach. Drive south along this highway until you reach Fort Pickens.

Information Center
There is a visitor center at Fort Pickens.

Activities