Memorial Monument at Plaza de Luna

In 2009, Pensacola celebrates the 450th anniversary of the 1559 Tristán de Luna y Arellano expedition to Pensacola Bay. This expedition predated the founding of Jamestown by a half-century and St. Augustine by a half dozen years. Departing Veracruz on June 11, 1559, Luna was at the head of one of the most formidable settlement expeditions in American History: an eleven-ship fleet carrying in excess of 1500 persons, more than double the number on any previous Spanish expedition to Florida and many times the combined number that the English sent to Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth. Though the settlement failed in 1561, it was the longest-lasting colonial settlement up to that date in what is today the United States.

Thus began Pensacola’s Spanish history...

In the spring of 2009, a memorial monument will be constructed in Plaza de Luna at Palafox Pier. To allow you the opportunity to leave a permanent reminder in place for future generations, Celebrate Pensacola is selling commemorative granite pavers. Your personalized paver will stand as a memorial and signify your participation during Pensacola’s 450th Anniversary.

Plaza de Luna at Palafox Pier is a place of peace, beauty and reflection and the Memorial Monument will stand proudly overlooking the magnificent splendor Don Tristán de Luna and his men first observed when their tall ships entered the Pensacola Bay on August 15, 1559. Leave a lasting reminder by purchasing one of the commemorative granite pavers that will surround the conquistador statue. Pavers may be engraved to honor your family, friends, or as a memorial to someone special.

To order, simply complete this form (PDF format) and mail to Celebrate Pensacola.