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A Rich Heritage
Over 1,066 square miles of pristine landscape have been touched by the traditions and influence of early Native American, Spanish, French, and English cultures. Each of Walton County’s three municipalities, DeFuniak Springs, Paxton and Freeport continue to reflect these cultures today.
DeFuniak Springs was founded in 1880. At the heart of this historic town you can discover one of two almost perfectly round lakes in the world. Here, historic buildings await exploration and towering mossy oaks shadow antique treasures. A stroll down one of the many ancient streets allows visitors to admire delicately trimmed gingerbread homes and view the beautiful and unique structures that make this town so distinct.
Located near the north edge of the county, Paxton was home to the first sawmill in 1903. As the commerce around the mill increased, so did the community.
Today, Paxton continues to flourish and grow from its early farming roots and also claims host to the highest point in the state of Florida at 345 feet above sea level. This unique Florida plateau is now home to Lakewood County Park.
With the introduction of sawmills, logging, and turpentine processing, other areas in Walton County began to grown and prosper. The town of Freeport benefited greatly from these industries and soon became a renowned shipbuilding center along the gulf coast region. The town’s name is derived from its early roots as a shipping-port free from any type of imported good tax. Due to this, the shipping commerce would deliver or pick up goods tax free, making it a popular and successful port in the county.
Historically the growth and development of Walton County can be attributed to its largest industry at the time, farming. As time past by, other industries such as saw mills, pine gum harvesting and logging played a vital role in the growth of the area. Today, tourism contributes greatly to the county’s success. Spring breezes and blooming flowers welcome festivals showcasing the rich heritage and culture of the area and the summer months are filled with songs of evening concerts and theatrical performances. While Beaches of South Walton continues to remain a relaxing beachside escape, during the fall months a new spirit runs through the communities. Fall is a magical time that welcomes a cultural renaissance to the area through Autumn Tides, a unique series of events that celebrate the life of Walton County’s varied cultural, natural and historical resources.
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