The Gulf at War: History and Archaeology of Revolutionary West Florida

The University of West Florida College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and UWF Archaeology Institute will launch the 2026-27 Gulf Coast Culture Series with "The Gulf at War: History and Archaeology of Revolutionary West Florida" at Voices of Pensacola in downtown Pensacola. The program will explore the often-overlooked role of the northern Gulf Coast during the American Revolution, when Spanish and British forces competed for control of West Florida. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Dr. Jack E. Davis will provide the keynote and moderate a panel of regional experts in archaeology, history and historic preservation. Together, the speakers will examine the people, places and conflicts that shaped Revolutionary-era West Florida and discuss how archaeological discoveries – both on land and underwater – continue to provide new insights into the region’s history. The evening also includes a public reception, educational displays from regional archaeology and heritage organizations, a book signing with Davis, and an after-hours opportunity to visit the Pensacola Museum of History’s "Road to Revolution" exhibit. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the event at 6 p.m.