Taking time to enjoy a Fort Walton Beach getaway is a beach-focused experience for many travelers. That said, a trip this way is also a chance to connect with a place that enjoys a rich history! The following is a brief overview of the remarkable Fort Walton beach history and culture.
Fort Walton Beach History And Culture
The history of Fort Walton Beach stretches back thousands of years. Experts believe the first inhabitants called the Emerald Coast home around 12,000 BC. During this time, the climate would have been arid and filled with pre-Ice Ace plains. It’s possible that early inhabitants came into the area pursuing game such as mammoths and mastodons. One of the larger tribes that called the area home is believed to have thrived here between A.D. 1100 to 1550.
European Arrivals
By the early 16th century, Spanish explorers were finding their way to the Fort Walton Beach area and ravaging native tribes with disease as they passed through. Eventually, European explorers would settle in this area and turn former tribal land into growing settlements of their own.
Pirate Lore
When you look back into the history of Fort Walton Beach, you’ll likely stumble on a lot of pirate lore! While some historians believe this is nothing but a legend, others find authenticity in the tales. The legendary pirate captain Billy Bowlegs is often brought up in these stories. He is said to have been a native leader who plundered ships belonging to French, English, and Spanish explorers through the 1700s and the 1800s. His accomplishments are still celebrated in the area today with the annual arrival of the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival at Fort Walton Beach landing.
A Wartime Legacy
When the Civil War came around, Camp Walton was established in the Fort Walton Beach area by soldiers of the 1st Florida Regiment. This small encampment was under the orders of General Braxton Bragg, and it served as an important destination within the historic and tragic conflict.
Turn of the Century Progress and Transformation
Fort Walton Beach saw incredible growth, particularly in its place as a hub for tourism by the turn of the century. The 40s and 50s were a particularly appealing time for visitors to come to the area specifically to take advantage of entertainment, landscapes, and relaxing retreats. Between 1940 and 1970, the area’s population boomed by 700% and today, Fort Walton Beach remains a popular destination for visitors from across the map.
Book Your Florida Adventure
Elevate your stay in Fort Walton Beach in style when you book accommodations at The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning!