Perdido Key Batteries and Other Structures

A map of the concrete batteries on the eastern end of Perdido Key.

NPS Graphic

 

Perdido Key Batteries
After the Civil War, new warfare technology such as rifled artillery and armored warships called for more elaborate defences. Several concrete batteries and gun emplacements on Perdido Key were built to prevent hostile vessels from entering Pensacola Bay. Three concrete batteries were built on the eastern end of Perdido Key.

These batteries augmented the batteries on the western end of Santa Rosa Island across Pensacola Pass. The first battery constructed in the area was Battery Slemmer completed in 1899. A second battery, Battery Center, was added shortly after this in 1901. Finally, during World War II, construction began on Battery 233.