AS OF FRIDAY, May 22, vehicular traffic can once again access historic Fort Pickens, just east of Pensacola Beach. Named after Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Pickens, Fort Pickens is the largest of four forts meant to defend the mouth of Pensacola Bay and the adjacent Navy Yard. During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers controlling the mainland threatened to take Fort Pickens, located on Santa Rosa Island. Several attempts were made to take the Union bastion, but none were successful. Fort Pickens remained in federal hands throughout the conflict. During the late 1800s the fort was home to several American Indian prisoners. Among theme were Geronimo and Naiche, the youngest son of Cochise.