Go Retro

Why not beat the heat and enjoy some artisanal gelato with us at Joe Patti's Seafood on our Hop On Hop Off Tour offered every Tuesday-Saturday! Book online now!

In 1781, the British thought Pensacola was untouchable. Behind the guns of Fort George, they watched a massive Spanish fleet hesitate at the bay’s treacherous entrance.

One man refused to wait.

Bernardo de Gálvez, the daring Governor of Louisiana, hopped onto his personal ship, the Galveztown, and signaled the rest: "Those who have honor and courage, follow me."

Under a hail of British cannon fire, he sailed into the bay alone. Shamed and inspired, the rest of the fleet followed his lead, sparking a brutal 61-day siege—the longest of the American Revolution.

When a lucky Spanish shell finally ignited the British gunpowder magazine, the fort blew sky-high. The British surrendered, and the Gulf Coast was won.

For his "solo" bravado, King Charles III granted Gálvez a unique coat of arms featuring his ship and two defiant words: "Yo Solo" (I Alone).

Happy Galvez Week, everyone!

I had so much fun this week leading Go Retro's Walking Cemetery Tour for the first time! I hope you'll join me next time! Offered every Wednesday at 5pm at St. John's Cemetery! - Jillian