With Walton County approaching its bicentennial year in 2024, there’s no better time to reflect on the rich history of this incredible destination and how it has evolved over the years while staying true to the unique founding spirit.
It all starts with the sugar-white sand, of course. Over millions of years, particles of quartz weathered away from the Appalachian Mountains and were refined as they journeyed along rivers to the Gulf of Mexico. Here, they formed the substance of South Walton’s stunning beaches – a true focal point of our local landscape.
Though the surrounding communities have a much briefer history, they are marked by milestones that are just as worthy of celebrating as those grains of sand. From the earliest residents to the rise of New Urbanism, the incredible variety of influences here is a big part of what makes this such a special area to live and visit. Walton County has benefited from the diverse traditions of the early Native Americans and Spanish, French and English settlers, among others. Elements of all these cultures are still reflected in our local municipalities today.
In the 1700s and 1800s, Native American tribes such as the Muscogee, Creek and Euchee Indians inhabited the surrounding land. Today, the Muscogee Nation of Walton County is based in the town of Bruce. This includes a historic schoolhouse that is filled with crafts and work of the tribe’s elders.
Walton County was officially founded on December 29, 1824. It was named for Col. George Walton Jr., son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence and secretary of the Florida Territory from 1821 to 1826. The area was originally comprised of more than 2,900 square miles that covered parts of Okaloosa, Washington and Holmes counties. The first census in 1830 tallied a head count of just 1,207 residents.
The county initially thrived north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Since the early days, farming has remained one of the primary occupations of local residents. However, waterways and later railways continued to bring more development to the area. Founded in 1880, DeFuniak Springs would become the county seat. Its historical presence – including the remnants of the community’s original Chautauqua Assembly – is still on full display in the ornamental homes and buildings along Main Street and around Circle Drive.
Grayton Beach later became the first community established in South Walton. Named after Army Major Charles T. Gray, it was founded in the mid-1880s. Despite sustaining damage in the great hurricane of 1926, the beach neighborhood’s largest home at the time (built in 1890) still remains standing today.
Beyond all its historical and cultural charm, Walton County is also home to natural elements that continue to stand the test of time. Explore preserved forests of scrub oaks and pines. Dive into crystal-clear, spring-fed swimming holes like Morrison Springs. Paddle across rare coastal dune lakes, only found elsewhere in far-flung locales such as New Zealand, Australia and Madagascar.
On the cusp of its 200th birthday, Walton County’s present-day personality reflects equal parts adventure, refinement and beauty. Perhaps its most important ongoing legacy is the effect it has on so many lives – creating lasting memories for residents and visitors alike. It always feels new because there’s never a shortage of things to see and experience. So, make it a point this coming year to discover something about this place you never knew existed. That’s the best birthday gift you can give to a place that has offered so much.