Alcaniz and Intendencia

The Pensacola Historic District was the first to be designated within the city of Pensacola – and is one of the oldest historic districts in the state of Florida. The area developed over a 200 year period, first as an early settlement during the Second Spanish period (c. 1757), then as the site of military barracks during the British occupation (1763-1781), as a burgeoning commercial and residential area during the last Spanish Period (1781-1821), and later as a hub of commercial activity for Pensacola’s thriving 19th century fishing, transportation, and shipping industries. Although few of the early military structures remain, the district exhibits architectural influences from the last Spanish and early national periods of Pensacola’s history. After Pensacola’s commercial industries peaked in the early 20th century, the area experienced a prolonged period of decline until preservation and restoration efforts were undertaken in the 1960s. Today, the district is an established business area, residential neighborhood and tourist attraction.

In 1824, the United States land commission required Desiderio Quina to show he owned property in Pensacola, which he did by providing papers indicating he bought a property "with buildings" in 1821. Quina having three children at the time, most likely purchased a property with a house and did not construct it himself. The Historic American Building Survey noted the house's construction is typical of 1810-1811 period and matches other houses, similar to the LaValle House built in 1805. The Quina House is the oldest building in Pensacola on its original foundation.

Quina was Italian, born in Italy, he joined the Spanish Army and was sent to America as part of the Louisiana Infantry which was stationed in New Orleans, Mobile, and Pensacola. His name was Chini which through pronounciation, misspelling, and perhaps even Americanization changed to "Quina." One of Quina's daughters married a Touart who became the jailer across the street and managed the jail when Jonathan Walker was imprisoned for slave stealing. Walker noted in his diary when she gave birth (to one of Desiderio Quina's grandchildren) -- Walker became one of America's leading anti-slavery proponents in 1846 period.