Remnants of a Deadly Explosion -- Fort Pickens, Pensacola Beach FL
N 30° 19.643 W 087° 17.431
16R E 472072 N 3355098
Quick Description: The part of Fort Pickens that was destroyed by a deadly gunpowder magazine explosion in 1899 have been stabilized and preserved as part of the display at Fort Pickens.
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 2/18/2015 9:04:27 AM
Waymark Code: WMND5R
Views: 0
Long Description:
This part of Fort Pickens was destroyed in 1899 when a gunpowder magazine exploded. Two Army soldiers were killed in the explosion.
Today the ruins have been stabilized but are roped off to keep visitors from climbing on or venturing to near this damaged part of Fort Pickens.
A sign near the destroyed part of the magazine reads as follows:
"DEADLY EXPLOSION
On the night of June 30, 1899 a fire broke out near the gunpowder magazine on the forts northeast side. A bucket brigade fought the flames, but the blaze grew in intensity, forced the soldiers away from the cistern, at 5:20 AM ignited 8000 pounds of gunpowder. The explosion demolished the bastion and showered debris across Pensacola Bay. Flying brick fragments killed Pvt. Earle Wells and injured Pvt. Henry Hopgood, who had sought shelter behind a woodpile. "
Type: Ruin
Fee: 8
Hours:
Open Daily from 7 AM to sunset
Related URL: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Original photographs showing additional views of the Ruin/Remnant or even just its current condition are encouraged. Please describe your visit, especially if no additional photos are available. Did you like the Ruin or Remnant? What prompted you to see the Ruin or Remnant?