Another exterior view of the ditch, taken from the drawbridge. The larger gunports in the center of the picture originally mounted flank defense howitzers, which fired grapeshot. The crossfire from these weapons and the infantry firing from the scarp and counterscarp gallerys would have made an infantry attack costly.
This view from the parpapet of Fort Barrancas shows the counterscarp of the fort and the Post of Fort Barrancas sometime between 1895-1905. It is possible to gain a feel for the position of the fort in relation to the surrounding terrain in this early image. This is much more difficult currently because of the many trees which have grown around the fort.
This view from the water battery shows the one of the front sides of the fort. Along the right side, you can see the end of the counterscarp gallery, which extends somewhat beyond the ditch in order to provide covering fire for the open front side of the fort.Fort Barrancas was involved in some of the Civil War battles around Pensacola. It was originally abandoned by Union troops, who moved to Fort Pickens. On November 22 and 23 of 1861, Union and Confederate forces engaged in an artillery duel between the harbor forts, firing 6000 shells. However, the ranges were extreme for the smoothbore weapons, and little damage was done by either side. Pensacola was abandoned by Confederate troops in May of 1862, and Fort Barrancas saw no further combat.
Fort Barrancas and the nearby Advance Redoubt are located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station, and are managed by the National Park Service. They were extensively restored 1978-1980 and are in excellent condition. They are well worth a visit if you are in the Pensacola area.
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