Walton County Founded Dec. 29, 1824

[DuneLaker]

Walton County was founded on Dec. 29, 1824. Walton County, home of SoWal, is one of the most beautiful, environmentally unique and historical counties in Florida. A SoWaller initiated and sponsors the Walton County 200 Countdown Celebration each year on this date. The celebration takes place at sunset in SoWal (about 4:41 p.m. CST). Guests gather to toast Walton County and highlight historic facts and personalities. Those who have signed the guestbook over the years may partake of wine set aside each year at the 200th Celebration in 2024. Get out today and tonight in SoWal, Walton County or wherever you are and celebrate!!!

 

[Andy A]

Happy Birthday, Walton County!!!

 

[ShallowsNole]

Happy Birthday to us, Happy Birthday to us!

Even though SoWal wasn't part of Walton County until 19-early-something...our earliest plats (i.e. Map of Santa Rosa) came over from Washington County in 1913.

 

[DuneLaker]

Actually, SoWal was part of Walton County in the beginning of Dec 29, 1824 per Sinko's Atlas of Florida Counties in the Reference section of University of West Florida. The border stretched from what is now Destin to near Shell Island, which is now in Bay County. SoWal left Walton County in 1825 to be part of Washington County. SoWal returned to Walton County in 1913. It was in 1915 that Okaloosa County was formed half out of Walton and half out of Santa Rosa. PM me later if you would like a copy of a paper I wrote on South Walton Real Estate. It has about 100 footnotes and gives academic references that some might find helpful or interesting. But, not today. Got to get ready for party. I don't think the county has all this information. With courthouse burning, etc., some of the county's personal records were lost. You have to go to other primary sources. Luckily, Florida was a United States Territory until 1845 and state and federal records are available during this early time period.

 

[scooterbug44]

Have a great Walton birthday countdown party!

 

[DuneAHH]

Happy Birthday Walton County & many thanks for the historical information DL!
Very cool.

 

[DD]

Happy Birthday WalCo!!
Funn facts, DL!

 

[Miss Kitty]

...Mermy and I celebrated the walco anniversary at sunset, except we didn't know about it.

 

[Mango]

Interesting info. Thanks DL. Happy Birthday Sowal!

 

[Matt J]

What a blast. Did you know that Octavia Walton partied til dawn with the Queen of England?