Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

British Well

— Colonial Archaeological Trail —

Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 9, 2021

1. British Well Marker

Inscription. This area was a garden district in the First Spanish and British governors' compound. The well first shows up on maps of the fort in 1778 and provided drinking water and irrigation for the gardens. The shaft is lined with stones and timbers at the bottom. The brick at the top is likely the foundation of a well house. By around 1820, the well was abandoned and filled with trash. Archaeologists found broken wine bottles, serving dishes, and food remains from Tivoli High House events.

A plan of Pensacola and its environs in its present state. from an actual survey in 1778, by Joseph Purcell. Image available at the library of Congress.

Wine glass fragments recovered from the British well excavations. Image courtesy of the UWF Archaeology Institute.

Erected by University of West Florida Historic Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1778.

Location. 30° 24.536′ N, 87° 12.662′ W. Marker is in Pensacola, Florida, in Escambia County. It is on East Zaragoza Street east of South Tarragona Street, on the left when traveling east. Located within Old Pensacola Village. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 E Zaragoza St, Pensacola FL 32502, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tivoli High House (within shouting distance of this marker); British Governor's House? (within shouting distance of this marker); Garrison's Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Christ Church (within shouting distance of this marker); John Wesley Hardin (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Christ Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Defending a Coastal Colony (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pensacola.

Regarding British Well. 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 Pensacola.

British Well Marker at the well. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 9, 2021

2. British Well Marker at the well.

Former British Well image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 9, 2021

3. Former British Well

Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 438 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 10, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.