PENSACOLA, Fla. — Pensacola is understood for its deep historical past. One notable determine in that story is the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson.
Today, reminders of his time right here can still be discovered across the town — typically in locations individuals go daily.
Near the fountain in Plaza Ferdinand sits a bust of Jackson, commemorating Florida’s entry into the nation.
“In 1821 we lowered the Spanish flag and raised the American flag, and this became part of the United States,” stated Collier Merrill, proprietor of Jackson’s Steakhouse in Downtown Pensacola.
Merrill’s restaurant sits simply across from the plaza, displaying Jackson’s signature as its emblem.
“Andrew Jackson was a part of us, he lived right up the street here about a block, and we enjoy having the heritage here,” Merrill stated.
The official switch of Florida from Spain to the United States happened just some hundred yards away, at what’s now Museum Plaza. The second was recreated in 2021, marking 200 years since Jackson grew to become Florida’s territorial governor.
“We would have had thousands of troops lined up right here,” stated Phillip Mayhair of the UWF Historic Trust.
Mayhair usually brings that period to life, dressing in interval uniform and recreating the expertise of an early 1800s soldier at group occasions.
“Andrew Jackson is a figure I see as someone you wanted to be friends with, and not enemies with, for sure,” he stated. “You definitely wanted him on your side.”
The early 1800s have been a tumultuous time in Pensacola, formed by the Creek Wars and the War of 1812.
“Britain was here in Pensacola, essentially building a big army, using this as a base of operations, and the United States caught wind of this, and that’s what led Jackson down here,” Mayhair stated.
Now thought-about a polarizing determine, Jackson performed a significant function in pushing again British forces and later within the growth of the United States.
His presence can still be felt downtown.
Visitors to 200 South Tap House are moving into an area the place Jackson lived for a number of months after the switch of Florida. The Old Hickory Whiskey Bar takes its identify from the nickname given to him by his troops.
And at Perfect Plain Brewing Company, the identify itself comes from a letter written by Jackson’s spouse, Rachel, who as soon as described Pensacola as sitting on a “perfect plain” — although her impressions have been combined.
“Rachel Jackson loved the environment and the climate and all the trees and the white sand, she said it was a very beautiful city,” Mayhair stated. “But she wasn’t a fan of the people living in the town. It was, in her mind, kind of a rough crowd.”
Inside the Pensacola Museum of History, displays supply a better have a look at the town Jackson skilled and the influence of his time right here.
He solely got here to the town thrice, however in these turbulent years, historical past was within the making daily.
“These streets were laid out 200 years ago and they’ve seen generations of people walking on these streets,” Mayhair stated, “from common everyday people to future U.S. presidents.”
