A Spanish fleet, under the command of Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano, arrived in the area of present-day Pensacola in 1559. The expedition was to establish an outpost, but the colony was decimated by a hurricane which killed an unknown number of sailors, sank six ships and ruined supplies.

The survivors struggled, most moving inland to what is now central Alabama before returning to the coast. They abandoned their efforts in 1561.

The first settlement did not take root until 1698 with the founding of Presidio Santa Maria de Galve on what is now Naval Air Station Pensacola and the city became dependent on Spanish colonial rulers until 1719.

The French took the keys to the city in 1719, but they gave it back to the Spain in 1722. (The wine was bad, no croissants, no cafes…)

The British tried their hand at holding the city from 1763 until they were forced to leave in 1781. Spain allied itself with France and the fledgling American Colonies and took the city with forces from Cuba. This was payback. Britain got Florida from Spain by capturing and holding Havana hostage.

Spain gave up Pensacola and Florida in 1821 to the United States. Florida became a state on July 4, 1845, but decided it was a bad idea in 1861 and seceded.

In May 1862 Pensacola was again under the control of the United States, and has remained under the American flag since.

Pensacola is known for its pristine beaches of white sand and blue waters.