The Colonial Archaeological Trail is a collaborative effort between the UWF Archaeology Institute and West Florida Historic Preservation (formerly the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board) to identity selected excavation sites for public benefit. The sites were excavated largely by students of the UWF archaeology program and by volunteers. Funding came from the Florida Legislature and the Division of Historical Resources in two phases: Phase I (1988-1989) and Phase II (1993-1994). An archaeological team returned to the Commanding Officer's Compound in 2005 for further fieldwork.
The Trail covers the area where the British Fort of Pensacola once stood, from Plaza Ferdinand VII to Seville Square. The partial reconstruction of Fort George is also considered part of the Trail.