Fort Pickens was one of only four forts in the South to be held by the U.S. Army during the entire Civil War. In November of 1861, Union held Fort Pickens exchanged 6000 rounds of cannon fire for two days with Confederates at Fort Barrancas and Fort McRee. Both Confederate held forts were heavily damaged and the Confederates abandoned the area in May of 1862.

Gulf Islands National Seashore: Fort Pickens:
Ranger Station
Gulf Islands National Seashore: Fort Pickens: Ranger Station
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The ranger house at Fort Pickens is the welcome area for the National Seashore.
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The building was formerly used as the Coast Guard Station.
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This view of the Ranger Station is taken near the wreck of the Norweigan bark, the Catherine, which is located in 15 feet of water where it sank on August 7, 1894. The outline of the vessel can be seen as a dark shadow on the surface.