Fort Barrancas

The Spanish first built a fort near the location of Fort Barrancas in 1698. In 1719 the French held the area. In 1763, when the British gained control of Pensacola, they built a redoubt on the bluffs or barrancas overlooking Pensacola Bay. After 1781 the Spanish regained control of Florida. They added the water battery. The fort complex, along with nearby Fort Pickens, remained an important coastal defense platform until 1947.

We enjoyed investigating Fort Barrancas, especially the water battery. We had never seen one before. (The water battery gets its name from the unique method used to fire at enemy ships. Cannon balls were fired from the battery at water level. They ricocheted off the water and hit the ships.) Just so you know, the walk to the fort is uphill and the tunnel between the fort and the water battery includes a steep walkway and stairs. From the top of the redoubt there is a gorgeous view of the bay and adjacent Gulf of Mexico.

The fort is located on NAS Pensacola. There is no charge, but it is an active naval base so be prepared to show identification at the gate. If there’s time, visit the National Naval Aviation Museum located nearby.