Legacy of former president Andrew Jackson still visible across Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Pensacola is thought 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 town — generally in locations individuals cross on daily basis.
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,” mentioned 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 mentioned.
The official switch of Florida from Spain to the United States happened only a few 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,” mentioned Phillip Mayhair of the UWF Historic Trust.
Mayhair typically brings that period to life, dressing in interval uniform and recreating the expertise of an early 1800s soldier at neighborhood occasions.
“Andrew Jackson is a figure I see as someone you wanted to be friends with, and not enemies with, for sure,” he mentioned. “You definitely wanted him on your side.”
The early 1800s had 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 mentioned.
Now thought of a polarizing determine, Jackson performed a significant position in pushing again British forces and later within the enlargement of the United States.
His presence can still be felt downtown.
Visitors to 200 South Tap House are getting into an area the place Jackson lived for a number of months after the switch from Florida. The Old Hickory Whiskey Bar takes its title from the nickname given to him by his troops.
And at Perfect Plain Brewing Company, the title itself comes from a letter written by Jackson’s spouse, Rachel, who as soon as described Pensacola as sitting on a “perfect plain” — though her impressions had been blended.
“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 mentioned. “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 town Jackson skilled and the impression of his time right here.
He solely got here to town 3 times, however in these turbulent years, historical past was within the making on daily basis.
“These streets were laid out 200 years ago and they’ve seen generations of people walking on these streets,” Mayhair mentioned, “from common everyday people to future US presidents.”