The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-12
HISTORIC PLAZA
 IN PENSACOLA
Was Famous DueIing Ground = In Bygsne Days
NOW IS BEAUTIFUL PARK
The Plaza Is Now Nearly 13o Years Old and Has Been the Scene of Many Brilliant and
 Tragic Events.

Pensacola, Fla, February n.-(Special.) One of the most historic spots in all the southland is the Plaza, or public square, at Pensacola. Fla. Laid out by the Spaniards during one of the Castilian oc- cupancies of the Deep Water City, the Plaza was named Ferdinand VII in honor of the Spanish monarch who reigned at the period of its dedication, as play ground for the use of the then inhabi- tants of Pensacola.
 Since then it has continued to exist undisturbed by five successive changes of flags over the territory now forming the state of Florida. First Spanish, the ter ritory was captured by the French and for time was a part of the dominion of France in the western world. After a few years of French occupancy 1t was re- captured by the Spanish and so remained until its capture by the Engnsh during the seventies of the eighteenth century. Under this English regime which lasted until 17S1, when the Spanish under Galvez restored the territory to the crown of Spain. the Pensacola of today was sur veyed and mapped. and the Plaza per manently Ndicated to it's present pur- poses as a central playground and beauty spot or the clty TOT all time.
 Famous DueIing Ground.
 From 17S1 until 1879, when the terri tory of Florida was ceded to the United States by Spain, Pensacola continued an uninterrupted existence as a Spanish province and the Plaza was regarded as the central congregating place for the in habitants. It was also the lavorite duel ling ground for the young Spanish dons of those romantic days, and tradition says that almost innumerable questions of honor. have been adjusted under the code within it's historic enclosure. This, however. is merely traditional. but it is an historical fact that near the present northeast entrance of the Plaza Gen. An drew Jackson cold Hickory') received the surrender of the English forces in 1874, the old Tennessee warrior having walked to that spot from his headquarters, which were located in the old building in De- Luna street recently vacated by the Pen saco1a chamber of commerce, for the purpose of receiving the Englishman's surrender of the war of 1872.
 For years the Plaza was neglected, little or nothing having been done toward it's Identification. Indeed, for a number of years it was the dumping ground for thousands of loads of street sweepings and gutter garbage.
 
 Ten years ago, however, it's suscep- abilities for transformation into one of l the entire south's most beautiful public i parks dawned upon Pensacola, and it's l improvement was commenced by placing 1 a handsome granite monument in it's cen ter dedicated to west Florida's and Pen sacola-s pioneer in development, the la mented w. D. Chipley This was followed by substantial granite coping and ee- ment walks around all four of its sides, together with other improvements. But not until within the past year and a half has any systematically directed effort been made toward it's permanent Identification. This was done when the city council made | provision less than two years ago for | systematic crusade of city park i'm l provements. A commission was created | and provided with funds and an ex- | perienced landscape gardener was secured | and given carte blanche to make flower i garden of the Plaza. The result is that | it has been transformed from an unkempt | neglected city block into one of the most ! attractive city parks in all the country, which will prove a boon as an open air | resting place, well as a point of i vantage from which to witness the Mardl | Gras parade to the thousands of carnival | visitors who will throng Pensacola dur | ing the carnival, February 22 and 23