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numerous sources say 19th
== History ==
{{see also|Ownership of Pensacola Beach}}
Santa Rosa Island was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 2,000 years ago (contemporary with the [[Deptford]] culture at [[Hawkshaw]]).
On [[October 9]], [[1861]], it was the site of the [[Battle of Santa Rosa Island]].
In [[1927]], Santa Rosa Island was sold by the U.S. War Department for $10,048.75 to [[Escambia County, Florida]]. After the completion of a two-year purchase plan, the deed was delivered to the county on [[April 2919]], [[1929]]. An agreement with developers [[Johnson, Drake and Piper]] led to the construction of the [[Thomas A. Johnson Bridge|Pensacola Bay Bridge]], the [[Santa Rosa Sound Bridge]], and [[the Casino]] ballroom and recreational center, which opened concurrently in [[1931]].
In [[1939]], ten years after buying the island, Escambia County used a revert clause to return the island to the federal government in the expectation that it would be developed into a U.S. National Monument preserving the remnants of [[Fort Pickens]], the only fort in the South to be held by the Union throughout the duration of the [[Civil War]]. The island was re-conveyed to Escambia County in [[1946]].
