Fort Pickens, Military fort in Pensacola Bay, United States
Fort Pickens is a military installation on Santa Rosa Island in Escambia County with a pentagonal layout and massive brick walls along the shoreline. The western sections face directly toward Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, while multiple gun platforms show its strategic importance.
Construction started in 1829 under Colonel William Chase and required roughly 21.5 million bricks to complete the coastal defense installation. Apache warriors led by Geronimo were held here between 1886 and 1887 during tensions between the federal government and Native American nations.
The name honors General Andrew Pickens from the American Revolutionary War, carrying military tradition into its identity. Visitors today walk through thick brick corridors and casemates that once sheltered soldiers from enemy fire.
Guided tours explain how military installations worked and point out gun emplacements and defense systems along the coast. Firm ground allows visitors with limited mobility to reach many areas within the walls.
The installation ranks among the largest brick fortifications on the Gulf of Mexico and reflects coastal defense concepts from the 1830s. Its position allowed control over key shipping routes into Pensacola Bay.
Location: Escambia County
Website: https://nps.gov/guis/learn/historyculture/fort-pickens.htm
GPS coordinates: 30.32694,-87.29056
Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:59
National Naval Aviation Museum
2.8 km
Fort Barrancas
2.4 km
Big Lagoon State Park
10.8 km
Pensacola Light
2.7 km
Barrancas National Cemetery
3.2 km
Saenger Theatre
11.8 km
Plaza Ferdinand VII
11.6 km
American National Bank Building
11.7 km
Pensacola Museum of History
11.7 km
Blount Building
11.9 km
Pensacola Museum of Art
11.7 km
Pensacola City Hall
11.4 km
Clara Barkley Dorr House
11.9 km
Pensacola Naval Air Station Historic District
2.4 km
First National Bank Building
11.7 km
Historic Pensacola's Museum of Commerce
11.8 km
Lavalle House
11.8 km
Thiesen Building
11.9 km
St. Joseph's Church Buildings
11.5 km
Julee Cottage
11.9 km
Museum of Industry
11.9 km
Palafox Historic District
11.8 km
L & N Marine Terminal Building
11.8 km
National Naval Aviation Museum
2.8 km
Civil War Soldiers Museum
11.9 km
Museum of Industry
11.9 km
Historic Pensacola Village
11.8 km
Mustin Beach
2.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes