The 30 Best Warships in Florida

SS Benwood is a historic shipwreck located off the coast of Key Largo, Florida in the United States. The ship was a cargo freighter that sunk in 1942 during World War II. Today, the wreck serves as a popular diving site for experienced divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history. The remains of the SS Benwood are home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a must-see destination for underwater enthusiasts. Whether you are a history buff or a seasoned diver, a visit to SS Benwood promises an unforgettable experience.

The USS Spiegel Grove is a historic ship that has been transformed into a museum and memorial in Key Largo, Florida. This impressive institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore the former Navy ship and learn about its fascinating history. The USS Spiegel Grove played a significant role in various military operations and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the ship, view exhibits, and pay their respects to the men and women who served on board. The USS Spiegel Grove is a must-visit destination for history buffs and those interested in naval history.

The SS Copenhagen Shipwreck is a popular tourist attraction located in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, United States. This historic shipwreck offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history and learn about the fascinating story behind the vessel's sinking. With its intriguing past and stunning underwater views, the SS Copenhagen Shipwreck is a must-see destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Welcome to Battery Worth, a historic gem nestled in the scenic Pensacola Beach, Florida. Our location is steeped in rich history, dating back to the post-Civil War era when advancements in warfare technology necessitated robust coastal defenses. Battery Worth, along with three other concrete batteries, was constructed between 1895 and 1899 in the Fort Pickens area to safeguard Pensacola Bay from potential threats posed by rifled artillery and armored warships. As naval technology evolved, so did the strategic importance of Fort Pickens. Between 1898 and 1905, additional batteries were built to counter the emerging threat of smaller, faster vessels like minesweepers and torpedo boats. This era saw the establishment of Batteries Payne, Trueman, and Cooper, all crucial to the protection of the bay.

Welcome to Battery Slemmer, a historical gem nestled in the scenic landscape of Pensacola, Florida. Located at the eastern end of Perdido Key, Battery Slemmer is a testament to the rich military history that shaped the region. Completed in 1899, this iconic structure was the first of several concrete batteries built to defend Pensacola Bay from hostile vessels, following advancements in warfare technology after the Civil War. Battery Slemmer, along with its sister installations—Battery Center, built in 1901, and Battery 233, constructed during World War II—played a crucial role in the coastal defense strategy. These formidable structures, strategically positioned across from Santa Rosa Island, stand as enduring monuments to the engineering prowess and strategic foresight of their time.

Welcome to Battery Payne, a historic landmark nestled on Fort Pickens Road in beautiful Pensacola Beach, Florida. This remarkable site is a testament to the rich military history that shaped the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Constructed between 1898 and 1905, Battery Payne was part of a strategic initiative to safeguard Pensacola Bay from emerging naval threats, including minesweepers and torpedo boats. As you explore Battery Payne, you'll discover the ingenuity and resilience of the era's military engineering. The battery was one of three built in response to the evolving demands of coastal defense, alongside Batteries Trueman and Cooper. Together, they formed a crucial part of the defensive network designed to protect the bay and its surrounding areas.

Welcome to Battery 234, a captivating tourist attraction located in the historic landscape of Pensacola Beach, Florida. Nestled within the scenic beauty of Santa Rosa Island, Battery 234 offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, highlighting the evolution of military defense technology and strategy. After the Civil War, advancements in warfare technology, such as rifled artillery and armored warships, necessitated more sophisticated defenses to protect Pensacola Bay. In response, a series of concrete batteries and gun emplacements were constructed on Santa Rosa Island between 1895 and 1899. Among these were the notable Batteries Cullum-Sevier, Battery Pensacola, Battery Van Swearingen, and Battery Worth, all strategically built to deter hostile vessels.

Welcome to Battery Pensacola, a historical gem nestled on the beautiful Pensacola Beach in Florida. Our site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the rich military history of the area. Established between 1895 and 1899, Battery Pensacola was part of a series of concrete batteries and gun emplacements built on Santa Rosa Island to safeguard Pensacola Bay from emerging naval threats following the Civil War. Explore the legacy of four significant batteries in the Fort Pickens area, including Batteries Cullum - Sevier, Battery Van Swearingen, and Battery Worth. Discover how these fortifications evolved to counteract new threats posed by smaller, faster ships like minesweepers and torpedo boats, with the construction of additional batteries such as Payne, Trueman, and Cooper between 1898 and 1905.

Welcome to Battery Trueman, a captivating historical tourist attraction nestled on Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, Florida. Step back in time and explore the fascinating remnants of military history that played a crucial role in defending Pensacola Bay. After the Civil War, advancements in warfare technology necessitated the construction of more elaborate defenses. On Santa Rosa Island, four formidable concrete batteries were erected between 1895 and 1899, including Batteries Cullum-Sevier, Pensacola, Van Swearingen, and Worth, to protect against hostile vessels.

Explore the Historic Battery Van Swearingen at Fort Pickens Located on the scenic Fort Pickens Road in Pensacola Beach, Florida, Battery Van Swearingen is a captivating tourist attraction that invites you to step back in time and explore the rich military history of the Gulf Coast. Nestled on the picturesque Santa Rosa Island, this site is part of a series of coastal defenses constructed between 1895 and 1899 to protect Pensacola Bay from potential threats during a transformative era in naval warfare.

Welcome to Battery Sevier, a historic landmark nestled on Fort Pickens Road in the scenic Pensacola Beach, Florida. Our site is a testament to the rich military history of the area, dating back to the post-Civil War era when advancements in warfare technology necessitated more sophisticated defenses. Between 1895 and 1899, four concrete batteries, including Battery Sevier, were constructed to safeguard Pensacola Bay from hostile vessels. These formidable structures were part of a larger network designed to protect the bay from emerging threats posed by smaller, faster ships like minesweepers and torpedo boats. Explore the remnants of this bygone era, where you can discover the intricate network that supported the fort and its batteries, including command stations, radar installations, range finders, and more. As you walk through the historical site, imagine the strategic importance of these defenses in their time, with roads, narrow-gauge rail lines, and sea walls all contributing to the fort's operational capabilities.