Introduction - Shaping Florida

Shaping Florida

“Discover the Real Magic about the Real Florida”

“Where Nature’s Best Meets History”

“MagicLand”

By Brenda Rees

All Rights Reserved © Photographs by Brenda Rees

Introduction

            Residents, students and visitors today may not realize the historical importance of Walton County, the Emerald Coast, Northwest Florida and West Florida.      Florida once stretched from what is now Florida to Texas, Mexico and up to Newfoundland.  To many we can say, “Welcome Home to Florida!”          

            Walton County, founded December 29, 1824, is one of the most beautiful and historical counties in Florida.  It was the eighth county created in a state that now has 67 counties.   From its spectacular white sand beaches in South Walton, to its highest point landmark for Florida at Britton Hill at Lakewood near Paxton, Walton County’s beauty matches the significant history of its people. 

            Walton’s namesake, George Walton, Jr., was the first Secretary for West Florida and the Territory of Florida, as well as Acting Governor.  His famous daughter, Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert, was world renown.  Others settled and prospered in this blessed Northwest Florida county. 

            Walton County, along with Northwest and West Florida, has a significant history.  West Florida, not East or South Florida, was in control of the Florida legislature for many years.  It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as amended, that West Florida interests surrendered their political supremacy to other parts of the state. 

            Let us take a journey into the land and people who shaped Florida.  “Shaping Florida” by Brenda Rees will guide you with historical notes, pictures and illustrations and help you “Discover the Real Magic about the Real Florida” or see “Where Nature’s Best Meets History.”

            First, a trip back to ancient times and the journey of our brilliant white sand gives depth and understanding to the beauty and unique physical character that helped shape the history of Walton County, Florida and the Emerald Coast of Northwest and West Florida.

Picture Notes

La Florida map by Chavez in 1584 Ortelius Atlas showing expansive Florida borders.  Map of West and East Florida illustrating West Florida’s border to the Mississippi River.  A painting by Brenda Rees illustrating the Narvaez failed exploration trip past the shores of South Walton in 1528, and Tristan de Luna, who started Pensacola in 1559 before 1565 St. Augustine, illustration on early T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum booklet.  Florida maps are from great uncle’s museum archives, now the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum.