Field Notes - A view looking out toward the sunset and Pensacola Pass from one of the cannon positions at Fort Pickens on Gulf Islands National Seashore. The construction of Fort Pickens was completed in 1834 and it served as a military bastion until after World War Two. It's both historic and romantic in its history. For the entirety of the Civil War, it was occupied bu Union soldiers, not Rebel troops. Geronimo was also kept prisoner here, and American soldiers also kept watch for German submarines offshore during WWII. If you ever get the chance to visit, definitely come explore the fort and all of Gulf Islands National Seashore.