Historic Pensacola

The Pensacola Bay Area takes visitors back in time with historic sites, timeless beaches and good, old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Many of our visitors are surprised to discover that we're North America's First European Settlement, dating back to 1559. We’re in the midst of celebrating our 450th anniversary, and there’s no better time to explore our historic offerings.

Pensacola Kicks Off 450th Anniversary Celebration

The Pensacola Bay Area is throwing one of the longest parties in history to celebrate having the longest history in North America. To commemorate our 450th anniversary, Pensacola is celebrating for 450 days from May 23, 2008 to August 15, 2009. Celebrations include parades, art exhibits, heritage walks, historical reenactments, educational programs, a Spanish wine festival and more.

Make History

For a memorable experience, stay at the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel, located in a 1912 Louisville & Nashville (L&N) railroad passenger depot. The original depot now houses the lobby, lounges, shops and meeting rooms. Guests will love original details such as the French clay tile roof, intricate tile and stained glass, complemented by old photographs.

Visitors can also enjoy the charm of turn-of-the-century Pensacola at the Pensacola Victorian Bed and Breakfast. Once the dream home of ship captain William Hazard Northup, the Queen Anne Victorian was built downtown where he could keep an eye on his business and still smell the salt air.

Five Flags Trivia

• Pensacola is nicknamed City of Five Flags since it’s been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the United States.
• Old Christ Church in Historic Pensacola Village is the oldest church in Florida still on its original site.
• Emmanuel Point II is the second-oldest ship wreck in the country, belonging to the 1559 Spanish expedition.
• St. Michael's Cemetery is one of the oldest extant cemeteries in Florida, with burials dated back to the late 1700s.
• Pensacola was the original capital of Florida.
• The first Catholic Mass in the United States was held on Pensacola Beach on August 15, 1559.

Top 10 Historic Sites

• Historic Pensacola Village
• Old Christ Church
• North Hill neighborhood
• Pensacola Lighthouse
• St. Michael's Cemetery
• Colonial Archaeological Trail
• T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum
• Fort Barrancas
• Veterans Memorial Park
• National Naval Aviation Museum