Presidio Isla Santa Rosa Punta de Siguenza

 (1722-1752) - A Spanish presidio established in 1722 on Santa Rosa Island in Escambia County, Florida. Replaced Presidio Santa Maria de Galve. Abandoned in 1752 after being destroyed by a hurricane.

History
A Spanish presidio established in 1722 on the north shore of Santa Rosa Island just south of the old Navy Yard. Replaced Presidio Santa Maria de Galve which had been burned down by the French when they departed.

The new site came to have a log fort on the west side, a church and a village on the east side. The Fort was built upon a foundation of pilings driven deep into the sand. The village consisted of about forty buildings including an impressive octagonal church and the governor's house.

The presidio was plagued by gulf hurricanes damaging the buildings and endangering residents. On 3 Nov 1752 a powerful hurricane hit the island and destroyed all but two of the presidio buildings. The decision was taken to move the presidio to the mainland but it took until 1756 to begin the move. The new presidio was built on the site of existing Fort San Miguel and named Presidio San Miguel de Panzacola.

Current Status
Archeological remains, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, Santa Rosa Island, Escambia County, Florida

Sources:
 * Bense, Judith A., Archaeology of Colonial Pensacola, University Press of Florida, 1999, ISBN 0813016614, ISBN 9780813016610, 312 pages

Links:
 * North American Forts - Presidio Isla Santa Rosa Punta de Siguenza
 * University of West Florida - Presidio Isla Santa Rosa Punta de Siguenza