Walton County's Bicentennial: Celebrating 200 Years of Rich History

Walton County is set to commemorate its Bicentennial in 2024. As of January 8, 2024, it marks the 200th anniversary since the county’s establishment in 1824. The current land area of Walton County spans 1,028 square miles, though it was originally larger. Parts of its initial territory were allocated in 1846 to form Washington County, in 1848 to Holmes County, and in 1915, to help create Okaloosa County along with a portion of Santa Rosa County. This means that Walton County once included much of the present-day Washington, Holmes, and Okaloosa Counties.

The county boasts a significant history, reflecting its expansive original borders. Throughout 2024, various projects and events are planned to celebrate its historical and cultural heritage. Among these is the development of a new website dedicated to Walton County’s history, featuring articles, photographs, and videos. Additionally, a weekly video series titled “Reflections of Walton County” has been launched.

This series includes interviews with residents of Walton County who have either been a part of its history or have relatives and ancestors who were.

This series aims to educate, inform, and entertain the county’s residents with weekly historical insights throughout the year.

Check out the first video from the series below:

The hope is that these weekly episodes will provide an engaging journey through Walton County’s past, enhancing the appreciation for this unique place.

The first episode of “Reflections of Walton County” features Chris Mitchell, a former television news reporter, historian, and past director of the Florida Chautauqua Association. In this episode, Mitchell provides a walking tour of the burial sites of some of Walton County’s most influential historical figures.