History of Pensacola, FL
Pensacola is the county seat of Escambia, located in the northwestern of Florida. It nestles on Pensacola Bay, about 55 km west of Fort Walton Beach and 100km southeast of Mobile, Alabama.
In August 1559, Tristan de Luna, a Spanish explorer landed on what is popularly known as Pensacola Bay. Luis de Velasco, Spain's viceroy of Mexico charged Luna of settling on the bay. The following year, Spanish navigators gathered information about the enemy in the area. After a century, Carlos de Siguenza y Gongora would name Pensacola's harbor as His Majesty's "finest jewel possession not only in America but in his entire kingdom."
Luna ordered an 11-vessel fleet ad 1,500 settlers that include African captives and Mexican Indians, and some of their craftsmen. Pensacola has always been a mix of different cultures because there are three diverse cultures that settled in North America all at once. It may not be very typical in U.S. history, but it is still how it is in Pensacola up to this day- different cultures join together in one fascinating place.
Luna's delegation set foot in Pensacola six years preceding the arrival of Adm. Pedro Menendez De Aviles in Florida's Atlantic Coast where he would discover St. Augustine. Up to this day, St.Augustine is still dubbed as the oldest city in all of the United States. Unlike Menendez' colony, Luna's colony did not endure long due to a devastating hurricane that sunk all of Luna's ship, with only three ships surviving.
In August 1559, Tristan de Luna, a Spanish explorer landed on what is popularly known as Pensacola Bay. Luis de Velasco, Spain's viceroy of Mexico charged Luna of settling on the bay. The following year, Spanish navigators gathered information about the enemy in the area. After a century, Carlos de Siguenza y Gongora would name Pensacola's harbor as His Majesty's "finest jewel possession not only in America but in his entire kingdom."
Luna ordered an 11-vessel fleet ad 1,500 settlers that include African captives and Mexican Indians, and some of their craftsmen. Pensacola has always been a mix of different cultures because there are three diverse cultures that settled in North America all at once. It may not be very typical in U.S. history, but it is still how it is in Pensacola up to this day- different cultures join together in one fascinating place.
Luna's delegation set foot in Pensacola six years preceding the arrival of Adm. Pedro Menendez De Aviles in Florida's Atlantic Coast where he would discover St. Augustine. Up to this day, St.Augustine is still dubbed as the oldest city in all of the United States. Unlike Menendez' colony, Luna's colony did not endure long due to a devastating hurricane that sunk all of Luna's ship, with only three ships surviving.
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The Spanish founded another garrison in Pensacola in 1698. Soldiers started to create a colonial town. Spaniards residing in Pensacola ceded to the French in May 1719. During that time, the French were at war with Spain. In the next one hundred year, French, Spanish, British had a succession of a rule in Pensacola. In 1821, Spain surrendered Florida to the United States.
Following the surrender of Florida to the United States, Pensacola formed a federal navy yard. Confederates settled in the city during the outbreak of the American Civil War. However, Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island stayed in Union rule. It was in 1862 that the Confederates flee the city. Commercial fishing and lumbering industry grew after the war. The navy yard was turned into a naval air station in 1914 and an aviation training school was developed. These developments catapulted the city's economic growth. |
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The city's economy is greatly anchored in tourism and the military. Highly-technological industries, health care, and manufacturing industries also have an important role in the city's economy. The now known as Pensacola State College was established in the city in 1948, while the University of West Florida in 1967.
Some popular attractions in the city include the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Fort Barrancas, and Historic Pensacola Village. Before the Lenten season, Mardi Gras events are organized and in June, the Fiesta of Five Flags, reflecting the city's vibrant history is held. You can also enjoy different water or beach activities around the area. Tourists can go fishing in the area. The water is pristine with abundant marine life.
Click here for more information.
Some popular attractions in the city include the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Fort Barrancas, and Historic Pensacola Village. Before the Lenten season, Mardi Gras events are organized and in June, the Fiesta of Five Flags, reflecting the city's vibrant history is held. You can also enjoy different water or beach activities around the area. Tourists can go fishing in the area. The water is pristine with abundant marine life.
Click here for more information.