Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
British Period
— Colonial Archaeological Trail —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 9, 2021
1. British Period Marker
In 1763, a treaty transferred Spanish Florida to the British and Pensacola became the capital of West Florida. The civilian government arrived in 1764 and set up a town grid with streets, house lots, and garden lots surrounding the centrally located fort. Over the footprint of the Spanish Fort San Miguel, the British military built the Fort of Pensacola, which underwent several renovations and expansions. During the American Revolution, West Florida stayed loyal to the British.
The British converted Spanish buildings in this area for use as the Commanding Officer's Compound. A nearby garden provided fresh vegetables and the courtyard contained bake ovens for cooking meals. Archaeologists found evidence of British day-to-day life in trash deposits across the compound.
1778 map depicting the Fort of Pensacola, surveyed and drawn by Elias Durnford. You are standing in the blue area labeled Commanding Officers Quarter. Image available at the Library of Congress.
This porcelain punchbowl was recovered from the Commanding Officer's Compound. Currently on display at the T. T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum.
Erected by University of West Florida Historic Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era
this page online
Location. 30° 24.522′ N, 87° 12.755′ W. Marker is in Pensacola, Florida, in Escambia County. Marker is on Zaragoza Street east of South Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east. Located in the Museum Plaza behind the Pensacola Museum of History. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pensacola FL 32502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonial Cooking (here, next to this marker); Second Spanish Period (a few steps from this marker); First Spanish Period (a few steps from this marker); Wells and Cellars (a few steps from this marker); Archaeology in Pensacola (a few steps from this marker); American Period (a few steps from this marker); Commanding Officer's Compound (a few steps from this marker); Stop and Smell the Roses (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pensacola.
Regarding British Period. The Colonial Archaeological Trail is a collection of outdoor exhibits relating the Spanish, British, and American occupations of Pensacola. This interpretive trail highlights the rich deposits of colonial history and archaeology in the heart of downtown
Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 9, 2021
2. British Period Marker on left.
Additional commentary.
1. Marker notes former name of museum.
The name of the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum (which was originally the Pensacola City Hall), was changed to the Pensacola Museum of History at the University of West Florida. Documents provided by the Wentworth family reflected that T.T. Wentworth was a leader of the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).
— Submitted October 10, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 10, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
