The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-10-27
Historic Sketch of Fort George 1872
Renamed st. Michael in 1883
(By MRS. EMMA HULSE TAYLOR)
(Written by Request)

governor
Florida. of which Pensacola was the capital and
military post, marked by improvement in civil
service, discipline and and more efficient de-
fences for the town and harbor
After consultation with the military commanders
Of the province and discussion with engineers over
plans of defense. fort was built by order OF Gem
eral Gage. commander chief OF all the British
forces in North America This fort named tort
George, for his majesty, George III, and built on
Gage HILL
In the center of the fortress the council
chamber of the province. the repository Of its
archieves the rendezvous, where official business
was transacted and discussed. audiences given to
Indian chiefs and delegations
During British rule there civil government
in West Florida. Fort George quadrangle
with bastions at each corner. There were within
the fort powder magazine and barracks for the
garrison, besides the chamber. before men
toned. Panton and Leslie's papers)
The most prosperous days of Pensacola were from
1872 1871 during British occupation. The military
condition of West Florida changed as the Revou-
tionary progressed. The call for troops in the
northern colonies had by 177S reduced the force of
the province to 500
This reduction considered prudent on account
of surrounding peace conditions
Early the following year Spain threw off her mask.
adopting course justifying the suspicious of the
British concerning her war-like Intentions becom
ing ally of France, but of the United States.
In pursuance of that plan, Galvez. designed to
sail the British forces In West Florida before they
could obtain renforoements.
The latter months of 1880 Pensacola and the gar
rison of Fort George the point of starva-
ton; all the resources of the British government
seem to have been required for the great struggle of
1871 the Atlantic coast.
Galvez conquest of the Mississippi posts. had cut
off supplies from the rich country lying between
Mobile Bay and the Mississippi. This of suf-
fering suddenly changed by the capture of sew
eral merchant vessels loaded with provisions and
one with powder. by British cruiser. Such are
the fortunes of wari
General Campbell having perfected the defenses
of Fort George directed his attention other points,
providing with. heavy artillery spared
from George.
On March 9, General Campbelrs impatient waiting
for General Galvez was brought to close. A sig
nal from the warship Mentor informed the British
that the spaniards were approaching for the strug
gle, for mastery in West Florida. The next morning
3S Spanish ships under Admiral Soano were landing
troops and artillery. On March IL the Spanish
opened fire the Mentor, lying in the harbor
Santa Rosa island. Galvez, even after he found
himself in possession of the harbor with large
fleet and large land force. awaited further rein
forcements.
Whilst awaiting these landing attempted.
This was frustrated by body of Indians and part
of the garrison of Fort George with two pieces of
field artillery. The surprised Spanish took to their
boats. In the attack many were killed, and in the
confusion, others were drowned On the 22nd
cessful landing was effected, establishing camps
nearer the town and the fort. (Fort San Bernardo
de Galvez erected by the Spanards about three
quarters of mile north of Fort George. about
the same lines but powerful and concealed by un-
dergrowth and pines).
Their temerity invited rebuke; a surprise pre-
pared for them by British but their plan
exposed by two deserters from the fort telling of
location of magazine and points of defense.
That disclosure. sealed the fate of Fort George,
that angle became the mark of every shot and shell.
On the morning of May there occurred explo-
sion which shook Gage Hill to it's foundation A
yawning breach made in the FORT fifty
were killed and as many more wounded seriously.
But there was panic in Fort George. Calmly,
the British commander orders every gun be
charged and many moved to sweep the breach.
That work done e a white flag
an officer to the Spanish general, with commune.
cation. An offer to capitulate upon the following
terms:
The troops to march at the breach with flying
colors and drums beating, each with six cart
ridges in his cartridge box; the distance of 500
PAGES arms were to be stacked officers to retain
| their swords-al the troops o shipped s
possible to British port, to be designated by the
British commander, at the expense of the Spanish
under parole. not to against Spain or her al
lies until equal number of the rank of
| Spaniards were exchanged; care of the sick and
wounded remaining and to be forwarded
recovered
The formal signing of the articles of capitulation
| in the council chamber of Fort George which oc-
Cured May 9th Immediately before the British
marched out.
On June 4th the British troops sailed for Havana
The fort renamed ST. Michael in 1888 when
Florida became Spanish colony.
| There bloody battle in or near Fort George
in 1912.
General Jackson fought in the southeastern por-
ton of the town where the governor in person.
bearing white flag and offer to surrender at
discretion, him and ordered Captain Soto
render the fort.
1t dismantled by General Jackson who was
about to send a detachment to San Carlos de Bar
rancas, when November Sth the British spiked