This thesis covers two critical time periods of the history of Pensacola, Florida. The first examines the Civil War and the second covers Reconstruction. The study begins with the Union's occupation of Fort Pickens located on Santa Rosa Island and evaluate's the North's strategy in occupying the position. To illustrate the fort's strengths, the thesis provides accounts of the battle of Santa Rosa Island and the subsequent artillery duels. Because of its limited importance during the war, neither side placed much emphasis on Pensacola. As a result, the city was not the site of a major engagement. In 1862, the Confederates abandoned the city and the Union quickly took over, but limited manpower prevented an adequate occupation forcing the federals to remain within the safety of their installations until the end of the war.
Pensacola had an easier transition to the post war nation, because of two factors, the military and the timber industry. The federal government kept enough personnel to properly man the forts and Navy Yard, and as a result the soldiers' presence prevented lawlessness and ensured the enforcement of the Reconstruction Acts. While other areas of the South endured poverty due to the failure of cotton crops, Pensacola's economy grew as the demand for lumber increased. West Florida's vast longleaf pine forests provided an almost unlimited supply of timber, and the region's sawmills flourished. This provided a large number of wage paying jobs that kept Pensacola's residents out of poverty. Along with providing employment, the timber industry boosted the shipping traffic entering and leaving the city's port.
The city also faced other issues that affected its events between 1861 and 1877 such as yellow fever, railroads, and the possibility of annexation to Alabama. Each of these aspects influenced the development of Pensacola and its residents. Yellow fever prevented the city from becoming a haven for tourists seeking a healthier climate, and the lack of a railroad connection with Tallahassee prompted Alabama to propose annexation. The combination of these factors along with the military and timber industry gave Pensacola a unique situation during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
