Fort Pickens is a historic pentagonal fort built in 1834 on Santa Rosa Island to defend Pensacola Bay, Florida, now part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. One of only four coastal forts that remained under Union control throughout the Civil War, Fort Pickens stands as a testament to American military resilience. The fort and associated batteries ceased operations in 1949 and became part of the national seashore in 1971. Accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset, the site offers visitors historic fort exploration, fishing from the shore and pier, birdwatching, camping, and scenic trails through Gulf Islands National Seashore's pristine natural environment.
