Gun pit where a 3″ rapid fire gun was once mounted at Battery Truman

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See the Military Forts and Batteries web page for an interactive location map.

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Battery Trueman, one of many military installations within today’s Gulf Islands National Seashore, is located at the northwest end of Santa Rosa Island just past the fishing pier. It has its own parking lot for those touring the area by car, or you can walk to it from Fort Pickens if you are already parked there. While the battery is not “just around the corner,” it’s close enough for most people, plus the walk along the bay is very scenic.

To conceal it from enemy ships, the battery was covered with soil and vegetation, forming a small hill. This makes it hard to spot even from the road. Be on the lookout for two sets of stairs and a concrete pill box.

Entrance into Battery Trueman at Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore

Battery Trueman is named after Major Alexander Trueman, a man who died while fighting Indians in 1792. The battery was built in 1905 and housed two, 3-inch rapid fire guns used to defend against torpedo boats and minesweepers. Like all batteries in the area, it never saw action. In 1943, the weapons were moved to Battery Cullman on the southwestern side of the island.

The battery is still in excellent condition. Doors are open to lower level rooms so visitors can see inside, but all you will find is empty space. You can also walk up to the gun pits on the top level. All areas are open to the public. Allow ten minutes for a visit to Battery Trueman.

Battery Trueman at Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore

Stairs from the lower level of Battery Trueman lead up to the guns

From the top of the battery you can get a nice view of the beach and the officer housing that was constructed between the World Wars.

Beaches of Pensacola Bay as seen from Battery Trueman, Gulf Islands National Seashore

Officer housing at Fort Pickens is now used for Rangers and other park staff