The Dorothy Walton Cottage is an example of Anglicized, French Creole architecture common to Pensacola in the early 19th century. Constructed primarily of Northwest Florida yellow pine, the cottage contains covered front and rear verandas, a high loft, and is on raised piers. It bears the name of Dorothy Walton, wife of George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia.

The widowed Mrs. Walton moved to Pensacola following the 1821 appointment of her son, George Jr., as Secretary of the new Florida Territory. In this cottage, she most likely entertained Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachael.

In the years following Dorothy's death in 1832, Francisco Moreno, commonly known as the "Father of Pensacola" because he fathered 27 children, briefly lived in the house with his second wife, Margarita, and their family.

A century later, T. T. Wentworth, Jr. bought the home and briefly used it as a museum to display his eclectic collection of artifacts. Badly in need of repair, the structure was deeded to the City of Pensacola during World War II. In 1964 the cottage was relocated from West Romana to East Zaragoza Street and restored to its current condition. Today, the Dorothy Walton Cottage serves as an integral part of Historic Pensacola Village.

This podcast made possible through the generous support of the UWF Historic Trust. Script written by Mark Sockman and Amber Sherouse. Narrated by Dave Dunwoody.

Credits and Sources:

Photographs courtesy of University of West Florida Historic Trust.