Historical Marker

Indianola Inn, An Indian Midden Mound, and Civil War Cannons

Historical marker location:
113 Brooks Street SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
( Marker can be reached from Brooks Street, 0.1 miles east of Miracle Strip Parkway SE (U.S. 98).)
Marker installed: 2006

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

Florida, a place where the climate is to die for and the people are all living!
Johnny Cash in The Man in Song: A Discographic Biography of Johnny Cash
Okaloosa County, located in the panhandle of Florida, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apalachee, Choctaw, and Creek tribes. They utilized the area's resources, such as the abundant fishing grounds and fertile land, for sustenance and trade.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers, including Hernando de Soto, arrived in the area. They established settlements and introduced European diseases, which had a devastating impact on the Native American population. The Spanish rule continued until the late 18th century when Florida came under British control. However, the British influence in Okaloosa County was limited.

Following the American Revolution, Spain regained control of Florida, including Okaloosa County. During this time, the region saw increased interaction with American settlers moving southward. In 1821, Florida was transferred to the United States as a result of the Adams-Onís Treaty. As American settlers continued to arrive, the Creek Wars of the early 19th century disrupted the lives of both Native Americans and settlers in the area.

By the mid-19th century, timber and naval stores began driving the local economy. Sawmills proliferated, and the lumber industry became a significant contributor to Okaloosa County's growth. The railroad arrived in 1895, connecting the county to the rest of Florida and enabling further expansion. Agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, also became prominent.

Okaloosa County experienced significant growth during the 20th century. The construction of military bases, such as Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, in the early 1940s brought increased economic opportunities and population growth to the area. These bases played a vital role in World War II and have remained significant military installations to this day.

In recent decades, Okaloosa County has become a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational activities. The county's economy has diversifed, with tourism, military, and technology sectors playing significant roles. As of today, Okaloosa County continues to thrive, combining its historical significance with modern development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Okaloosa County, Florida.

  • 1915: Okaloosa County is established on September 18.
  • 1933: The first bridge connecting Okaloosa County to the mainland is completed.
  • 1940s: Tyndall Air Force Base is established in Okaloosa County.
  • 1956: The town of Fort Walton Beach is incorporated.
  • 1961: The Eglin Air Force Base museum opens to the public.
  • 1963: Okaloosa-Walton Community College (now Northwest Florida State College) is founded.
  • 1969: Destin is incorporated as a city.
  • 1975: The Okaloosa Correctional Institution is established.
  • 1996: The Emerald Coast Science Center opens in Fort Walton Beach.
  • 2004: Hurricane Ivan causes significant damage to Okaloosa County.