Walton history

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The legend of Euchee Indian Chief Sam Story

Could it be an Euchee (Yuchi) Indian chief named Sam Story was the earliest known conservationist in Walton county? Our history books tell us so, however some traditions handed down may be simply legends, and solidified as truth when shared through generations. So with that said, here is one story, through a collection of information, about a man named Sam Story. Historic documentation shows many of the earliest white settlers in Walton County were Scottish families from North and South...

Historical remembrances of the Choctawhatchee River

The following is a series of interviews with the people who lived along the Choctawhatchee River written by Northwest Florida Water Management District. The Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) made its first effort at gathering oral accounts of life and resources in northwest Florida in 1988. Ten “old timers,” each selected to represent an economic or subsistence activity common around the Choctawhatchee Bay during the early part of the 20th century, were interviewed and featured in a District publication....

Historical remembrances of the Choctawhatchee Bay

By James H. Cason, Robert A. Mills, and Paula A. Tully. Interviews by Tavia Copenhaver McCuen, with special assistance from Walter Francis Spence. A publication of Northwest Florida Water Management District, Dec. 1985 The mission of the Northwest Florida Water Management District is to implement the provisions of Chapter 373, Water Resources, Florida Statutes, in a manner that best ensures the continued welfare of the residents and water resources of Northwest Florida. Their core mission is to ensure a clean and...

History of Chautauqua Assembly now adorns Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs

Circle Drive around Lake DeFuniak has a new look – eighteen new signs to be precise. The Drive is now adorned with a historically informative walking tour of interpretive signage relating to the history of the Chautauqua Assembly. Funded with a $49,500 grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources, it is comprised of one large  directional map with the story of the history of the area’s once-gated resort/campus first opened in 1885. The Chautauqua Assembly was originally an annual...

Learn about shipwrecks at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park March 15

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Florida Public Archaeology Network on March 15, 2019 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Come learn about the shipwrecks that have been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico and the unique stories surrounding each wreck. This program is free with regular park admission.  A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. For more information,...

Chautauqua Assembly returns to DeFuniak Springs Jan. 24 – 27, 2019

Florida Chautauqua’s Assembly 2019 takes place from Thursday, January 24 through Sunday, January 27th with most activities centered on Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th.  The website www.floridachautauquaassembly.org details all of the program offerings which evolve around the theme and the four pillars of Chautauqua which include art, recreation, religion and education.  This year’s theme is a focus on Main Street America. Registration forms for the Assembly can be found online along with ticket information.  Tickets can be purchased...

Learn about WWII and its connection to South Walton at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Jan. 12

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Coffeen Nature Preserve on January 12, 2018 from 10 – 11 a.m. Come learn about the connection between Coffeen Nature Preserve, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and WWII. This program is free with regular park admission. Topsail Talks is a monthly educational discovery series with presentations from organizations and government agencies from outside the park. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida...