The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-07-11

Few of our tourists and not many
residents of Pensacola know of the
wealth of romance tradition and his
tory that enVelops this, the oldest city
in America. At five different times
have the flags of five different ma
tions greeted ships in her harbor
Some of the finest blood of Spain,
France and England flows in the
veins of her people. In her old ceme-
teries each grave has a story of its
own to tell and her old forts, fine old
residences and churches recall to the
older residents wonderful times of the
gay and gallant Pensacola of years
ago.
Among the historical points of in
terest in Pensacola, Fort st. Michael.
upon which stands the residence of
DR.. Heron, is one of the principal
and is connected with the history of
the city during the British and Span
ish occupation of the town.
On the high North Hill and near
the Lee monument, from it's tower is
commanded a sweeping view of the
city and harbOr.
The Old Heron Resident on Fort
ST. Michael.
(Ry Mrs. Emma HuIse Taylor.)
Copyrights Reserved.)
. DR.. James Heron chose as the his
toric site for his home Gage Hill.
where Fort George was built, by order
of the Commander in chief of all the
British forces in North America and
named for His Majesty, George III.
The Council Chamber was the re-
pository of the Archives of the Prov
nee the rendezvous where official
business was transacted, audience
given to Indian chiefs and delegations.
1t was situated in the centre OF the
Fort. Here, in 1888 the Treaty of
Versailles was signed between Spain
and Great Britain, constituting its V
Article.
The Fort was renamed St. Michael
when Pensacola became a Spanish
colony.
Here, Doctor Heron and his de-
voted sister pursued their literary
tastes and Hospitality received and en-
tertained their friends.
Doctor James Heron was the old
est son of the late talented and dis
tinguished Civil Engineer James
Heron, who died in the naval service
at the Pensacola navy yard in De-
arduous duty. He left as a splendid
memorial of his scientific attain
ments and engineering ability the per-
manent granite wharf described some
years ago in the New York Herald as
ene of the most magnificent speci-
mems OF Marine architecture in the
world, which he planned and con-
structed, though previous engineers
had failed prominent military and
civil engineers pronouncing it a
physical impossibilityl
With near relatives and connec-
tions among the officers of both army
and navy, his childhood spent amid
military life, Doctor Heron imbibed
an enduring affection for both
branches of the service and passed
from Spring Hill College to the Uni
versity of Pennsylvania, where he
graduated with great honors.
DR.. Heron expected to enter the
United States Army, Medical Corps,
when he completed his course at the
University but the declaration OF war
caused the young student TO relin-
quish his intention and to return to
his home.
On reaching Pensacola DR. Her
ron's medical and surgical ability met
immediate recognition. Though not
yet in the Confederate service he was
selected by Surgeon A. J. Ford. late
L. S. Army, then medical director of
General Bragg's army TO attend Cen
eral Anderson, second in command
who had been severly wounded in at
tack on Fort Pickens. Cnaided by |
older officials the young graduate re-