 Naylor Realty specializes in Walton County Florida Real Estate, which lends itself to an appreciation of Walton County History.
We start this story of Walton County History in the spring of 1818 when the Euchee Chief Sam Story visited Pensacola. He invited Nell McLennan and Daniel D. Campbell to join him on his journey, which led to a migration of emigrants of Scottish descent from the Carolinas. Their original settlement was at Eucheeanna near Bruce Creek. It was the Walton County seat from 1828 until 1890. At this point, the seat was moved to its current location of DeFuniak Springs.
Defuniak Springs is home to the oldest library in the State of Florida, still in its original building. It also hosts the state's oldest organized Presbyterian Church, which was founded on May 27, 1827. Defuniak Springs has the first confederate war memorial monument to honor those from the county who fell in the Civil War. The memorial was orginally located in Eucheeanna at the Euchee Valley Presbyterian Church; in the 1890s it was moved to its present location on the courthouse grounds in DeFuniak Springs.
The County's early settlers were stockmen working sheep and cattle. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, naval stores and timber played an important part in the country's economy. With its location on Choctawhatchee Bay, Freeport was founded in the 1830s as a port for commerce, cattle, lumber, and naval stores. Red Bay and Paxton were also founded around that time spurring new directions for Walton County History.
Grayton Beach is the oldest of all of Walton County's Beach Communities. From as early as the 1890's, families from DeFuniak Springs and Chipley began making Grayton Beach their vacation destination. In 1920, the area was marketed for development. In 1940, electricity was brought to this hidden coastal treasure. In 1942, Grayton Beach became a guard station for beach patrol at that time the pristine beaches were patrolled by horses. It is said in those days one could spend days on the untouched beaches with little or no human contact. Since then, the beach communities of Walton County have seen much growth and development with a strong commitment to maintain the original charm and quaintness of the area.
Interesting Facts about Walton County History:
- Walton County boasts the highest point in the state of Florida and 345 feet above sea level near Lakewood.
- In 1915, a western portion of Walton and an eastern portion of Santa Rosa counties were untitled to form Okaloosa County.
- In 1981, Seaside became the symbol for small town southern living.
Thanks to a rich history, there is plenty to do in Walton County today. Check out our Walton County Profile for more information. |
