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Date: September 29, 2009
Contact: Gail Bishop, 850-934-2618
Contact: Steamer Lawhead, 850-934-2629

     Superintendent Jerry Eubanks of Gulf Islands National Seashore announced today that Sunday, October 4, is the 175th anniversary of the completion of Fort Pickens. “The engineer in charge of building the fort, Captain William Henry Chase, declared on this date that the fort was ready to be occupied by artillery troops,” said Eubanks. “So it is also fitting that on October 4th at 7 p.m. that the premiere of WSRE-TV’s documentary "Gulf Islands National Seashore--The Treasure of the Gulf Coast" featuring Fort Pickens will air."    

At 2:00 p.m. on October 4, 2009 park ranger and historian David Ogden, who co-authored a book on Fort Pickens and has led fort tours for over 20 years, will lead Sunday’s guided fort tour. “David is an expert on the fort, and can really bring the place to life,” Eubanks added. Fort Pickens is open to the public and repair work continues throughout the park. Gulf Power crews are currently working to restore electrical service to the fort. In the meantime, generators are supplying electrical needs. “The lights are on; the visitor center is open; and visitors can explore the fort,” Eubanks continued.

     Ranger-guided tours of Fort Pickens are offered at 2:00 p.m. every day or visitors can take a self-guided tour when the fort is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. Superintendent Eubanks encourages everyone to visit the Seashore and to see Fort Pickens on its 175th anniversary. There is an entrance fee at the Fort Pickens Area but the tours are free. For additional information about this program or other programs offered at the Seashore, call the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at (850) 934-2600 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis.