Explore the forts of the Gulf Islands National Seashore
It's not hard to see the natural beauty that makes Perdido Key beach rentals so popular. The white sands, aquamarine waters and sunny climate have even earned the Gulf Islands a designation by the National Park Service (NPS) as a National Seashore.
This designation means the area from Perdido Key, Florida, and moving eastward is maintained with the utmost respect to nature, ensuring its beauty will continue to stun visitors for years to come. As much as the NPS preserves the environmental elements of its parks and seashores, it also goes to great lengths to preserve the nation's historical landmarks. This is why history buffs will be delighted with a trip to Perdido Key and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Fort Pickens
The largest of four forts built in the 19th century to defend Pensacola Bay, this fort played an important role in the Civil War. It was one of only four forts in the South that were never occupied by Confederate troops during the war, thanks to Lieutenant Adam Slemmer. He led his men to defend the fort during the tumultuous time between Abraham Lincoln's election in November 1860 and the April 1961 firing on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Fort Pickens was reinforced by these Union troops just one day after Fort Sumter surrendered to the Confederates. This prevented them from using the Pensacola Navy Yard and controlling Pensacola Bay.
Fort McRee
Located at the eastern end of Perdido Key, this fort was built between 1834 and 1839 to help the U.S. Army defend Pensacola Bay. The original fort, which had three tiers and a detached water battery, was destroyed over the course of a century, first being heavily damaged in a standoff between Confederate and Union forces in November 1861. Its foundations were crumbled by coastal erosion after that, but concrete Coast Artillery batteries were built there afterward. Battery 233, built in 1942, remains today for visitors to explore.
It's easy to bring your family here. Take a look at 3-bedroom Perdido Key vacation home rentals as well as other sizes of vacation condos and houses. They make a wonderful headquarters to explore the area, whether emphasizing the intriguing sites of American history or discovering its fascinating ecosystems.
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Perdido Key
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History
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