Travelers who are longing for an amazing getaway destination where they can settle in on the sand, under the sun, and make the most of gorgeous waves frequently set their sights on Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This alluring and inviting locale is one that visitors can return to year after year in the name of relaxation, fun, and adventure of all kinds. While it’s often the beaches and waves that beckon, visitors will find that Fort Walton Beach is a destination rich in history too. Learning more about the area’s past and the many stories that led to the present tourist hot spot it is today, a historical journey to Fort Walton Beach offers an exciting new perspective on this beloved vacation destination.
Fort Walton Beach Historical Markers
A true hub for history buffs to check out the next time they’re in town on a historical journey is the Heritage Park and Cultural Center in Fort Walton Beach. This historic complex is actually made up of many sites for guests to visit across beautifully preserved landscapes and architectural landmarks. Within the parameters of the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, Fort Walton Beach adventurers can access everything from restored historic structures to fascinating prehistoric sites. A highlight for many visitors heading to the Heritage Park and Cultural Center is time spent at the Fort Walton Temple Mound. This ceremonial structure was crafted by early Native American tribes that inhabited the land making up modern-day Fort Walton Beach between the timeframe of AD 900-1500. The Temple Mound was the work of Mississippian cultural tribes and was originally designed to be one of many platform mounds situated along the Santa Rosa Sound shores. Many experts have made a clear comparison between these mounds and the pyramids left behind by Central and South American civilizations like the Mayans and the Aztecs.
After visitors have had time to explore the Temple Mound, they can move on to discover the Temple Mound Museum which first opened to the public back in 1961. Stepping inside, visitors are invited to browse a collection that hosts more than 4,000 artifacts on-site ranging from Spanish exploration relics to beautiful pottery by ancient civilizations that called the area home. Military history isn’t far from reach from this point of interest. Just around the corner from the Temple Mound, visitors spending time at the Heritage Park and Cultural Center can get up close to the cannon of the Walton Guards. Used to help defend the Confederate Camp Walton in the mid-1800s, the cannon was sent from Pensacola and was in use by soldiers until 1862.
A trip to the Heritage Park and Cultural Center in Fort Walton Beach can also include time touring the Camp Walton Schoolhouse and the Garnier Post Office. The schoolhouse dates back to 1912 when it was opened as a one-room educational building for eight grades at a time. Later, it would be expanded to include high school students on-site. The building was restored by the Junio Service League and the Okaloosa County School Board and now is open to the public for touring Monday through Saturday from noon until 4:00 pm. Equally intriguing is a tour of the Garnier Post Office which sits just behind the schoolhouse. This historic building dates back to construction in 1918 and is considered one of the oldest surviving post offices in all of Northwest Florida. The cypress-made structure was restored in 1979 after serving as an early voting precinct in the area. It’s a fascinating stop for those who are looking to immerse themselves in remnants of Fort Walton Beach’s past.
Check Out the Air Force Armament Museum During Your Stay
Military and aviation history come together seamlessly for travelers visiting Fort Walton Beach who make their way to the Air Force Armament Museum during their historical journey. Located at 100 Museum Drive near the Eglin Air Force Base, this museum highlights the innovation, imagination, and persistence it took to move technological advancements in both the military and aviation forward through the decades. The museum first opened in 1975 and is free to tour. Displays and exhibits showcase everything from on-site aircraft and historical films to collections that cover topics like missiles and bombs dropped by aircraft during times of war.
Book Your Getaway to Fort Walton Beach Today
Enjoying every second of your Fort Walton Beach adventure is a breeze when you book luxurious and stylish accommodations through The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach. From the amazing amenities and features to the on-site extras like swimming pools and shuffleboard courts, guests will find that settling into vacation is easier than ever. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options and how we can help you turn those travel plans into a reality soon. We can’t wait to see you in sunny Florida this year!