A key trading and population center of Spanish West Florida, Pensacola played an important role in the Creek War and the War of 1812. Red Sticks obtained supplies from the city throughout the conflict, first from Spanish authorities and British merchants, and later from the British military.   Determined to end these activities, Andrew Jackson captured Pensacola in November 1814.

Several sites associated with the Creek War and War of 1812 can be found in downtown Pensacola today. The Colonial Archaeological Trail highlights several areas of Fort San Miguel, the principal Spanish fort that defended the town during the war. The T. T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum and Pensacola Historical Society Museum contain exhibits concerning the time period. A statue of Andrew Jackson stands in Plaza Ferdinand, a park in the heart of downtown. A scale model of the headquarters of Panton, Leslie and Company, the British firm that dominated trade activities with Native Americans, stands on the site of the original business at the corner of Main and Baylen Streets.