Pensacola

Pensacola stands beside a deep, sheltered bay on the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. Barrier islands guard the approach to its harbour, while rivers connect the bay with the wooded interior. Named for the Panzacola people, the anchorage drew the attention of rival European powers seeking a foothold on the Gulf coast and a sheltered harbour for their ships and fleets.

In 1559 Tristán de Luna y Arellano brought a Spanish expedition to establish a colony on the bay. A hurricane sank ships and destroyed supplies, and the settlement was abandoned two years later. Spain returned in 1698, founding the presidio of Santa María de Galve in response to French expansion. French forces captured it in 1719; after their departure, the Spanish moved the settlement to Santa Rosa Island and later back to the mainland following another hurricane.

Britain took possession of Florida in 1763 and made Pensacola the capital of West Florida. Trade in deerskins and naval stores helped the town grow, and its position made it a valuable base during the American Revolution. In 1781 Spanish forces under Bernardo de Gálvez besieged the British defences. The explosion of a powder magazine helped bring about their surrender, and Spain recovered the town. Spanish rule continued until Florida passed to the United States in 1821.