Explore the Mosaic

The 1821 Sampler Project and its mosaic of faces is a public project sponsored by the 200th Anniversary Commission, established at the request of the City of Pensacola and Escambia County Board of County Commissioners to commemorate Florida’s entry into the United States in 1821. We also commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Escambia County, which was created at that time. Pensacola has been the hub for population in Escambia County since the mid-18th century, and many important historical events, such as the exchange of flags between Spanish and American officials, happened in our historic city.

West Florida Genealogical Society researchers were asked by the 200th Commission to participate in the 200th Commemoration by identifying all those in Pensacola at the time of the exchange of flags in 1821. The Society embraced the task, and the resulting Sampler is a testament to our rich and diverse history and heritage — and to our diverse and welcoming modern community. We are Floridians!