Pensacola Travelling
Pensacola is known as the City of Five flags, as it was ruled by five different countries, before becoming a part of United States. It was ruled by Spain, Britain, France, Confederacy and United States. Pensacola was under Spain for about 240 years, although in three separate periods.
The First Spanish Period (1559 – 1719)
The first European settlement in United States was Pensacola. It was established by Spanish conquistador Don Tristan de Luna on Santa Rosa Island. Pensacola became the largest city in Florida, under the British in 1763. The Spanish were the first to bring African slaves to American continent and introduce the Roman Catholic Church. Pensacola was named after the Panzacola Indians, a tribe that lived near the bay when the Spanish arrived.
The French Period (1719 – 1722)
The French captured Pensacola in 1719, when Jean-Baptiste Bienville, the governor of French Louisiana, arrived with his fleet and a large force of Indian warriors. The Spanish commander was unaware of the war that had been declared by France. As the Spanish garrison was very small, the commander surrendered on conditions, that the private property and the citizens would not be harmed, and they would be allowed to march out of the fort with honor. They were later shipped to Havana in French ships. However, a hurricane drove the French from Pensacola in 1722. The Spanish then moved the town to the mainland.
The Second Spanish Period
In 1722, the area destroyed by hurricane was rebuilt by the Spanish. During this period, they were largely occupied in the missionary work with Indians. The other objective was the development of Pensacola as an important port and building a strong military force. Spain always had a conflict with French and British interests during the period, but Spain’s informal alliance with France clearly meant that they confronted serious threat from the British pirates. These pirates and smugglers sold goods cheaper than Spanish companies, which was not taken lightly by Madrid.
British Period (1763 – 1781)
In 1763, at the end of Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War), the British took control of Pensacola. During the British period, Pensacola prospered, and was made the capital of British West Florida. After the war, the British gained access to inland areas as far as the Mississippi River. The French were ousted from the mainlands. In 1963, a modern street plan for Pensacola was laid down by the British.
During the American Revolution (1775-1763), many British colonies, like Georgia and Alabama revolted against the British. Spain allied themselves with the American rebels and won the Battle of Pensacola. They also succeeded in capturing West and East Florida.
Third Spanish Period (1781 – 1819)
Pensacola was recaptured by the Spanish in 1781. There were few short-lived invasions by Americans, but Spain retained control later. The entire Gulf Coast and Mississippi River Valley was under the Spanish governance during this period. This situation wasn’t acceptable to American settlers since this region was important for the shipment of American goods like corn, tobacco and cotton. The Spanish were occupied with the growing rebellion, and were not able to concentrate in fortifying the region. The American rebellion under General Andrew Jackson succeeded in capturing the Pensacola region, and all of Florida was transferred to the United States.
United States Period (1821 – 1861) Read the rest of this entry »
