Andrew Jackson: Fort Barrancas and the City of Pensacola, Celebrating 200 Years of American Sovereignty

There is a dispute over which settlement is the oldest settlement in North America; Pensacola or St. Augustine. Some researchers at the University of West Florida (UWF) in Pensacola, Florida have narrowed down the competition to just six (6) years. UWF claims to have proven Spanish explorer, Tristan de Luna, established the Spanish colony of Pensacola in August of 1559. Yes, the date precedes the founding of St. Augustine by just six (6) years, allegedly.

No matter if Pensacola is acknowledged as the “oldest settlement,” or even the second “oldest settlement,” the city is rich in history and nostalgia. The city is often called, “the city of five flags,” because it has the distinction of being under the sovereign of five different countries; Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy of the United States, and the United States. In this article, I want to focus on a pivotal person in the city’s unique history, Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States (March 4, 1829 to March 4, 1837).

Andrew Jackson first footprints on Pensacola soil occurred as a result of the War of 1812 (also known as the Second War of Independence, as it was fought between the British and the Americans). Secretary of War, James Monroe (later the 5th President of the United States), assigned Jackson to protect and defend New Orleans. Before moving his troops to New Orleans, Jackson discovered the British were occupying Pensacola. At the time, Pensacola belonged to Spain and Spain had remained neutral during the war.

Upon this discovery, Jackson requested from Spain a surrender of Pensacola to the United States. This would allow Jackson to attack the British positioned in Pensacola, specifically at Fort San Carlos de Barrancas (later called Fort Barrancas in 1840), a fort built by Spanish. Spain refused his request and Jackson decided he would attack the British anyway. On November 7, 1814, Jackson attacked the Spanish fort occupied by the British. The British decided they had no option but to retreat. Before they left, the British destroyed most of Fort San Carlos de Barrancas rendering it useless to the United States or Spain. Jackson pursued the British all the way to New Orleans where he won a decisive victory over the British and earned his place in history for his leadership and bravery in what was called the Battle for New Orleans.

In 1818, Florida was still a Spanish territory. President Monroe was looking to protect the citizens who lived alongside the borders of Spanish West Florida and the United States. Monroe called upon Jackson to do so. To everyone’s surprise, or not to their surprise as Jackson’s reputation preceded him, on May 24, 1818, instead of protecting the borders, he invaded Spanish West Florida and occupied Pensacola. He occupied the city for 14 days. This action taken by Jackson could have lead to war with Spain and put an end to his military career as well as any political ambitions. However, what appeared to be his greatest folly ended up being one of the United States greatest land grabs.

It is unknown if this easy occupation of Pensacola, by Jackson, revealed the hard truth that Spain could no longer defend Florida. What resulted from Jackson’s two week occupation of Pensacola was the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1821. The treaty went into effect in 1821 and officially transferred Florida from Spain to the United States. Jackson was named the official territorial governor.

From 1839–1844, Fort San Carlos de Barrancas, the wooden fort built by the Spanish in 1787, was reconstructed by adding brick to the wooden structure. The fort was then renamed Fort Barrancas.  

When reviewing maps of the Pensacola waterways, it is no wonder why in the late 1700’s and right up to the Civil War era, the fort played a strategic role, not only in Pensacola’s but also Florida’s history. The fort was built at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Any foreign enemy in an attempt to take the city of Pensacola had to pass Fort Barrancas, not an easy task.

History of is game of chance and “what ifs”. So, I ask now the following “what if” questions. What if Andrew Jackson decided not to attack the British on November 7, 1814, and enter Pensacola? What if Andrew Jackson did not illegally invade Spanish West Florida on May 24, 1818? Would the Spanish have so easily given up Florida knowing they could no longer protect it in the King’s name? Andrew Jackson later went on to become the 7th President of the United States. His administration was not without controversy. However, if one looks at his military career, can we expect anything less? The General was never going to settle for any compromise, capitulation, or retreat, traits he carried into his Presidency.

After 200 years, the City of Pensacola owes a bit of gratitude to President Jackson. Without him, another war may have been fought to capture and protect Florida. Also, without General Jackson’s grit, a bit of nostalgia would certainly be lost.