Paper short abstract:

This paper is an initial examination of Pensacola’s maritime community and industry as it evolved in the last half of the 19th century.

Paper long abstract:

By the mid-19th century, Pensacola transformed from being primarily a military outpost on the edge of the United States to a viable port. Lumber, bricks and other natural resources encouraged shipping and Pensacola's waterfront transformed from a few, isolated wharves to a thriving center of commerce. Despite this growth, Pensacola did not develop into a traditional port with a stable shipbuilding industry and sailing community. Rather, it remained 'a frontier' port that catered to sailors and ships en route to other, final, destinations. Increased numbers of men, and women, worked and lived along the water during this time, and combined they created a prosperous maritime port. Yet, Pensacola remained on the fringes of the United States and failed to support a stable seafaring population. This paper is an initial examination of Pensacola's maritime community and industry as it evolved in the last half of the 19th century.