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Fort Barrancas - Gulf Islands National Seashore and its collection

Fort Barrancas - Gulf Islands National Seashore
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Fort San Carlos de Barrancas, also known as Fort Barrancas, is a historic fort located on a hill overlooking Pensacola Bay in Florida. The fort was originally built by the Spanish in 1787 and was later rebuilt by the United States in 1839. It has been a National Historic Landmark since October 9, 1960. The fort has a rich history, having been closely associated with the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

Historical Background of Fort Barrancas

The fort was built by the Spanish in 1787 on a promontory named "Barrancas de Santo Tome", where they had already erected a first fortification, named "Fort San Carlos de Austria", which had been destroyed in 1719 by the French. This location has seen multiple instances of destruction and reconstruction due to the rivalry between the three colonial powers of Spain, France, and Great Britain.

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ESFuerte Barrancas
DEFort Barrancas
FRFort Barrancas
ENFort San Carlos de Barrancas
ENHistoric Fort Barrancas

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Historic house War

#2 History & Anthropology in Pensacola #1 Historic houses in Pensacola #32 History & Anthropology in Florida #26 Historic houses in Florida #8 War museums in Florida #129 War museums in United States

#2 History & Anthropology in Pensacola #1 Historic houses in Pensacola #32 History & Anthropology in Florida #26 Historic houses in Florida #8 War museums in Florida #129 War museums in United States
Fort Barrancas - Gulf Islands National Seashore
3182 Taylor Rd
FL 32508 Pensacola
Florida

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Visitor information Fort Barrancas - Gulf Islands National Seashore

Opening hours

Operating hours vary depending on location and season, visit website for more details.

Admission

Normal rateUS$15.00

Motorcycle: 20 USD
Private vehicle (up to 6 people): 25 USD

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Fort Barrancas - Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Location & Map

3182 Taylor Rd, Pensacola

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Fort Barrancas - Gulf Islands National Seashore have been found.

Fort Barrancas - Gulf Islands National Seashore Reviews

Fort Barrancas - Gulf Islands National Seashore has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    Fort Barrancas, located within the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola, offers visitors an insightful look into American military history. The fort, with its sturdy construction and strategic positioning, showcases 19th-century coastal defense architecture. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved structures and the informative exhibits that detail the fort's role in various historical periods.

    The site provides a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. The indoor museum area contains artifacts and displays that give context to the fort's significance. Outside, guests can explore the fortifications, including the water battery and the advanced redoubt, which offer panoramic views of Pensacola Bay.

    Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable park rangers who offer guided tours, enhancing the educational value of the visit. These tours are often cited as a highlight, providing in-depth information about the fort's construction, its use, and its place in American history.

    The fort's location within the larger Gulf Islands National Seashore is another positive aspect, allowing visitors to combine their historical exploration with natural beauty. However, some visitors mention that signage could be improved to make self-guided tours easier.

    While most find the admission price reasonable, especially considering it's part of the larger national seashore area, a few note that the fort itself is relatively small and can be explored thoroughly in a couple of hours.

    Accessibility is generally good, but some areas of the fort may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to steep stairs and uneven surfaces.

    Overall, Fort Barrancas is well-regarded for its historical significance, educational value, and the opportunity it provides to step back in time and experience a piece of America's coastal defense history.

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