Pensacola may be our go-to town for great dining, arts attractions and gorgeous Gulf beaches — not to mention those Blue Angels dancing across the sky — but the town, arguably the oldest in the country, contains a rich African American history. In addition to murals and Mississippi Blues Trail markers that explain their accomplishments are Black-owned accommodations and restaurants, historic sites and recreation areas to pause and consider those who came before.
Stay
Relax in several guest rooms, all unique from each other and including en-suite bathrooms, at the Celestine Bed and Breakfast circa-1880s home in Pensacola’s historic North Hill district. The accommodation is close to downtown and attractions so it’s an ideal spot to make your home base. The historic site was once home to Celestine Elizabeth Tolliver, who was born in 1908 and known as a hospitable woman who welcomed all to her house, which is why the guestrooms are named for her children and grandchildren.
Dine
Casks & Flights serves up 72 wines on tap, eight craft beers, mead and wine-based cocktails, plus is open for brunch and dinner. The tasting room offers flights, wine classes and weekly events, such as “Bubbles Up Tuesday,” “Mancave Wednesday,” a Thursday lady’s night and “Sangria Sundays.” Casks & Flights is located in downtown Pensacola across from the Saenger Theatre, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this month with 100 days of special programming and events through May.
Learn History
Fort Barrancas on Pensacola’s Naval Air Station, part of the National Park Service, served as a Union military post during the Civil War and a recruitment area for Black soldiers, some who became soldiers in the United States Colored Troops who fought to restore the Union and destroy slavery. This year marks the 160th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation reaching the Black soldiers at the fort.
Dating back further, Pensacola Pass saw numerous freedom seekers sailing on the Underground Railroad to destinations such as the Bahamas, Massachusetts and New Hampshire where they gained their freedom. The Pensacola Pass is part of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, a federal program that commemorates the stories of the men and women who risked everything for freedom.
Hit the Beach
After a $7 million renovation, Bruce Beach in downtown Pensacola has reopened with seating along the Pensacola Bay waterfront, walking trails, playground and more. The second phase will include the planting of more than 190 trees, the addition of a sand volleyball court, a picnic area and a kayak launch.
The beach dates to the Jim Crow era when African American residents were refused access to city beaches occupied by whites. Bruce Beach was one of the few places Blacks could gather to enjoy the water and the park’s swimming pool.
“They’ve done a really good job of preserving the history,” said Lindsey Steck, marketing and communications manager at Visit Pensacola.
Another historic Pensacola beach is Johnson Beach, named for Army Pvt. Rosamond Johnson Jr. who at 17 years old saved two soldiers in battle during the Korean War on July 26, 1950. While attempting to save a third, Johnson was killed, marking him as the first Black soldier and first resident of Escambia County to be killed in the Korean War.
To visit more African American sites in Pensacola, visitpensacola.com lists the many attractions dedicated to the history and accomplishments of its Black citizens.
