Pensacola celebrating 450 years

PENSACOLA, Fla. - It was a journey folks had been waiting to make for along time. Spanish and Pensacola dignitaries came out to remember a shipwreck that happened 450 years ago.

Two sites in Pensacola were Spain's first attempt to settle there. That's why Pensacola and Spanish leaders climbed aboard on Thursday with a wreath in hand.

Mayor Mike Wiggins told FOX10 News, "450 years ago, don Tristan De Luna set anchor and settled right here."

They were set to build a colony until a hurricane wiped them out. The University of West Florida found two of his boats. A wreath was laid where two of the ships have been found.

Dr. Judy Bense with the University of West Florida said, "It was a tragic, biggest and best attempt to settle what is now the United States and it failed. So despite that tragedy, six of their ships were left in our bay, we found two of them. We're here to commemorate their failure, their courage, to connect to the very earliest part of Pensacola's history with Spain."

This whole week, Pensacola is celebrating its history. The Spanish sailed in Wednesday on their naval training ship, the Elcano, allowing both the Spanish and folks from our area celebrate our shared heritage.

Mayor Mike Wiggins said, "We have our visitors from Spain here, to bring them out here is very meaningful to show them how we have embraces our Spanish heritage."

Events are going on all week to celebrate the city's 450th anniversary. For details go to www.fiestaoffiveflags.com.