Fort Pickens on Pensacola Beach-

This was another fort like Fort Sumter in Charlotte and Fort Pulaski in Georgia  ordered by Pres. Madison after the war of 1812.  Government works slow just like today, and they weren't completed until 1847.

This fort was used during the civil war when the confederates were located across the bay.  More cannonballs were fired with little damage than anytime during the civil war. The bay must be full of cannonballs - long sunk in the white sand.

It was also used during WWI & WW II.

German subs were in the area.  In Florida Germans sunk 400 frigates.  Who knew they were so close?

Part of a corner of the fort is blown off when 8000#s of gunpowder ignited.  How's your hearing now?

Reverse arches(bottoms up) made this steady even on sandy soil.

A fire got out of control  Abandon ship!  Got to the powder room and 8000# of powder blew.  Killed 2.