Washington County, Florida, has preserved its past and invites today’s visitors to explore and enjoy
WASHINGTON COUNTY, FLORIDA–AUGUST 2020– Those looking for authentic, old Florida need look no further than Washington County, in the state’s predominantly rural northwestern region. Located north of the Panama City beaches along Interstate 10, Washington County was created in 1825 and has been formed by Native American, Spanish and English cultural influences. It covers more than 380,000 acres which include rolling hills, pine and hardwood forests and pristine waterways.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the area for its trails, as both hiking on protected lands and parks built for off-roading adventure are popular here. The waterways are also popular, including beautiful creeks for paddling and cool springs for a refreshing swim. But those looking for the culture and character that made this destination what it is, love spending time in its downtowns, which dot the map and tell the stories.
Early growth in the area was fueled by forestry. The towns of Caryville, Chipley, Ebro, Vernon and Wausau were built around activities of milling and production of turpentine and naval stores. These were soon followed by agricultural endeavors. Settlements began to form along the rivers, the primary shipping routes of the time. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s allowed for additional development. The original county seat, located in the center of the county, was in Vernon, named after George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, Virginia home. With the addition of the railroad line through Chipley, to the northeast, the county seat was moved there in 1927, and it remains so today.
Today, the Vernon Historical Museum (2808 Yellow Jacket Drive, Vernon, Florida 32462), located inside city hall, is a great place to start any exploration of the county’s history. Hours are limited, so visitors must plan ahead to explore the collection of artifacts, photographs and documents that tell the unique history of Vernon and the surrounding community.
Washington County Historical Society in Chipley also offers a look at the area’s history. The society’s museum (685 7th Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428) is located at the Bill Lee Train Depot and the old Chipley Chamber of Commerce building, located at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Chipley. Documents and memorabilia, along with natural history, turpentine and military displays and agricultural and Native American exhibits are on display. (Hours are limited, check schedule prior to visiting.)
Chipley has also preserved a special part of its history in the South Third Street Historic District. This downtown area, designated a U.S. historic district in 1989, includes 13 historic homes. These amazing structures display excellent examples of Queen Anne Victorian-style architecture–many say the best examples in Florida. The history of the homes can be found at the nearby museum.
A piece of entertainment history lives on in Chipley, as well. The Spanish Trail Playhouse (680 2nd Street, Chipley, Florida 32428) was initially founded in 1962. After running three shows a season until 1968, it sat vacant and silent for nearly 40 years. In 2006, work began to bring the Spanish Trail Playhouse back to life. On September 5, 2008, the curtain rose again at the playhouse and has been entertaining audiences each year since then.
There are other historic sites to see throughout the county, as well. Historic sites range from historic markers and one-of-a-kind monuments to preserved churches and storied cemeteries. Lodging and dining information can be found online at VisitWCFla.com, where all are encouraged to visit Washington County and enjoy some unique pieces of authentic Florida history.
If you go
A delicious way to enjoy the agricultural heritage of Washington County is to visit one of its excellent produce markets. The Main Street Market (1251 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428) and the Chipley Farmers Market (685 7th Street, Chipley, Florida 32528) both bring fresh produce and locally grown and crafted goodies to their seasonal markets. Just out of town, K & L Farms (1567 Piney Grove Road, Chipley, Florida 32428-4058) is a great spot, as well, to choose some Washington County goodness to take home to your table.