Gulf Islands National Seashore: Fort Pickens Road

Fort Pickens was built in 1829 on the western end of Santa Rosa Island by the US Ary Corps of Engineers. It was named for Brigadier General Andrew Pickens of the South Carolina State Troops in the American Revolution. The fort was built at a strategic point at the tip of the island on the channel, protecting Pensacola Bay. In 1971 the area was placed under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service as part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Guided tours are conducted throughout the year and the visitor here can see an example of American coastal defense in most of its early phases. (Source: Coleman, James C. and Irene. "Guardians on the Gulf. Pensacola Fortifications". 1982. 1698-1980. ISBN 0-939566-02-8)