Historic Sites History Buffs Won’t Want to Miss in Pensacola

Pensacola, Florida, located in the panhandle portion of the state, makes for a history lover’s dream vacation. There are several fascinating locations to see and information to absorb between stops at the beach. This city is rich in history, so you’re sure to find something that fits your interests.

Are you a history buff and planning to visit beautiful Pensacola, Florida, on your next vacation? In that case, we here at Allen Turner Hyundai have some suggestions for some historic sites you won’t want to miss. Or, if you’re a local and want to get to know your home better, visit one of these locations and immerse yourself in the culture.

Old Christ Church

Visit the oldest-standing Protestant church building in Florida at the Old Christ Church. The Protestant Association in Pensacola built this church in 1832 to serve as a place of worship. Today, this religious establishment continues to serve its purpose as an Episcopal church and includes a public library and museum. Civil War buffs may find it fascinating that federal troops occupied the church during the war. The exterior is quaint, with white-painted masonry, and the community had the interior rehabilitated to continue preserving the historical church.

The church remains on its original ground and maintains its original masonry structure. Inside and out, you’ll notice the building has Norman-Gothic design elements. The Norman-Gothic era was a transitional era from classical Roman architecture to the Gothic style. During your visit to this historical site, take a guided tour to learn more about the church’s history. Additionally, it serves as a special-event venue and meeting hall, accommodating up to 185 guests.

Location: 405 S. Adams St., Pensacola.

Dorr House

The Gilded Age began in 1871 and was a prosperous time for the country as the economy grew quickly. The thriving lumber industry in Pensacola introduced a time of great prosperity for the city. That same year, Clara Barkley Dorr had Dorr House built for herself and her five children. Considered a Victorian-era home, it is an example of Greek Revival architecture. This is unique because this style would have been considered out-of-date in that era. Most builders used Gothic Revival and Victorian styles by this time, but Dorr House’s builders and architects are unknown.

Yellow pine lumber and bricks used in the house reflect the thriving lumber industry and other natural resources local to the area at the time. The home provides a fascinating contrast to the varied styles of the surrounding homes, such as the French Creole colonial style of Lavalle House and the Folk Victorian architecture of Lear and Rocheblave House.

Location: 311 S. Adams St., Pensacola.

Colonial Archaeological Trail

Explore the Colonial Archaeological Trail created by the University of West Florida Historic Trust, the City of Pensacola, and the University of West Florida Archaeology Institute. As you walk through the trails, you can learn about the Spanish, British, and American occupations in Pensacola’s early history. The trail has interpretive panels and exhibits about the city’s history. Some of the fascinating and educational stops along this trail include:

• Tivoli High House: This was once the location of the first Spanish governor’s house.
• Officer’s Room and Kitchen: Constructed in 1775, this building once housed the officer’s room and kitchen for British troops.
• St. Michael’s Cemetery: This site is one of the oldest cemeteries in Florida and represents Pensacola’s diverse history.

This trail is a great way to get outside and learn about the city’s rich colonial history and archeology in the heart of downtown Pensacola.

Location: 212 Church St., Pensacola.

Plaza Ferdinand VII

Stroll through the tranquil garden and park at the Plaza Ferdinand VII. Named after Ferdinand VII, the King of Spain from 1813 to 1833, this park is the historical site of the formal transfer of Florida from Spain to the United States. Spain formally ceded Florida to the United States and officially signed the Transcontinental Treaty on Feb. 21, 1821. The following month, General Andrew Jackson received temporary governor power of both East and West Florida, which were to be combined into one territory. Finally, on July 17, 1821, the official transfer ceremony commenced at the Plaza Ferdinand VII.

The event began with General Andrew Jackson and the Spanish governor entering the plaza and walking through lines of United States and Spanish troops. The Spanish flag was lowered, and the United States flag was raised while the Fourth Infantry band played “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Today, you can walk where this historical event happened and visit monuments commemorating this important moment in Florida’s past. Don’t miss the four cannons mounted at the plaza’s four corners. Historic Pensacola Village, a collection of 22 historic buildings and museums, surrounds the plaza. Spend the day wandering the garden and immerse yourself in history.

Location: Bounded by Government Street, Jefferson Street, Zaragossa Street, and Palofax Street, Pensacola.

The Quina House Museum

The Quina House Museum is a home-turned-museum named after the house’s original owners. This is Pensacola’s oldest standing building still in its original location, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop in and experience what life was like in 1810, when the house was built. Throughout the home, you’ll find original pieces of furniture dating from 1790 through the 1880s.

Stop in and visit The Quina House Museum free of charge, or you can call and reserve a private group of up to 10 people. Private tours take place Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and cost $40 per person. Your 90-minute tour includes “bottomless” wine and hors d’oeuvres along the way.

Location: 204 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola.

So, there you have it. Our top picks for the best historical sites history buffs won’t want to miss in Pensacola, Florida. This magnificent city has such varied cultures and histories that we have hardly scratched the surface. Contact us if we missed your favorite historical place, and we’ll be sure to add it to our list.

We care about our customers, so we want to ensure you and your vehicle are safe on the road. Visit the Allen Turner Hyundai dealership in Crestview, Florida, to get an oil change before taking the drive to Pensacola. Or speak with one of our sales experts and learn about our new and used vehicle inventory.

Old Christ Church in downtown Pensacola, FL. by Travis Walser is licensed with Unsplash License