Wakulla County

FLORIDA'S LAST UNCROWDED PLAYGROUND

[Map of Wakulla County]

GOOD ROADS FROM ALL DIRECTIONS GIVE EASY ACCESS TO WAKULLA'S FINE BATHING, FISHING, AND RETIREMENT FACILITIES

WAKULLA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

"For the Young in Heart"

For a thousands years and more, tall bronzed Apalachee Indians roamed the area, laughed, and hunted. Then the Creek Indian Nation moved in and still later the Seminoles made this their home. The early Spanish explorers found the land and marveled. The French, English, and others came and the area welcomed them. The Silver Coast has known Man for many, many years... but man has left little mark of his passing.

Huge shells mounds, a scattering of Indian graves, arrow and spear heads slumbering under magnolia and oaks mark the remains of a once powerful Indian nation. A few bits of china, rusted nails, a fragment or so of a sword are all that remains of the early Spaniards. It seems almost as if it had been decreed that Man, grown Man should not mark this ground with tall buildings; that it should for all time remain as the birthright and playground for the young man.

Here, along the St. Marks River, he may scratch in the ruins of a once-proud Spanish fort. Under ancient fig trees that were plantic by the Spaniards, he can look across the Wakulla River to the lime pits, where laborers dug limerock for the walls, often under the deadly fire of hostrile Indians. Along the upper St. Marks River he may wander along once-busy streets of Magnolia, where tall pines now grow, and the only visible remains of the community is a lone grave marker. He can, if he so wishes, wander for hours through woodland, pine and hardwood and never be aware that there are people other than himself living on this planet called earth. He may spend days along the banks of the ochlockonee, Apalachicola, or others, digging into huge Indian mounds, finding bits of trade beads, arrow heads, discarded potter and at times queer shaped bones.

Here the bald eagle nests and the big Canadian geese spend their winters and thousnads and thousands of birds of all kinds pause on their flights... and other years ago set up housekeeping and never leave.

Before the time comes when the swamps are all drained and all the rivers become waterfront subdivisions, we urge our visitors to take the time to look around, in a land that will not much longer remain "a last frontier."

Fpr Hunting, Fishing, Fine Living

TRY WAKULLA COUNTY

A land of alluring enchantment with a hearty offering of outdoor recreation is Wakulla County.

In a semi-tropical clime, Wakulla beams with sunshine, and abides in breezes from the Gulf of Mexico, on which it is situated.

For fishing in the salt water of the Gulf or in Wakulla's fresh water lakes and streams it's an angler's heaven. He can fish along 150 miles of coastline, or the Ochlockonee, St. Marks, Wakulla and Sopchoppy rivers, or in 25 lakes and bubbling springs.

For hunting, where you can find better? Turkey, quail, dove, deer, squirrels, rabbit, raccons, bobcats, fox, marsh hens, ducks, bear and occasional panthers- these all romp in the pine forests, fields and marshes of Wakulla County.

Another fact of hunting here too, is of widespread fame. Many visitors from the North come to Florida during the winter but to an area the size of Wakulla County there certainly come no more visitors than the thousands of Canada geese which make this their cold weather home.

Famous businessmen, magazine publishers, industrial tycoons, manufacturing executives- these and many other people have selected Wakulla county as one placy they must go during hunting season each year.

Yet it does not require a large income to afford the pleasure of setting your sights on Wakulla County game. Costs of a hunting part in this outdoorsman's stomping grounds lie well within the average hunter's budget. And for hunting you will find them here, the kind that come only from participating in the hunt and that no amount of money can buy for you. Wakulla's coastal islands, marshy plains, hammocks, and swampy areas tingle with excitment during hunting season.

The sportsman can fill his bag, and find outdoor entertainment and recreation that brings relaxation and satisfaction. he goes back to his routie of life refreshed physically and mentally, re-energized and less burdened with worry and tension.

In this time of tensions which recur int he lives of almost everyone, everday, in the business of making a living, a slower pace, a hunting, fishing or sightseeing trip equips your to realize your greatest potential.

Doctors say that most people need such diversion. Fewer persons would fall victim to nervous breakdowns or upsets, medical specialists report, if they took more time off for unhurried, healthful fun. You can find it in the outdoors of Wakulla County.

WAKULLA COUNTY: WHERE FAMOUS MEN EXPLORED

Along the Footprints of Romantic History

A Spanish conquistadore pioneered the progress and development of Wakulla County, 433 years ago.

This great adventurer, Ponce de Leon, discovered Florida in 1513, landing on the East Coast. In 1521 he returned, this time to the Gulf coast and landed at what authorities generally agree was near the site of the present fishing village, St. Marks.

With his expedition de Leon attempted the first such settlement ever begun in America. The Indians drove them back tot he sea, however, and Ponce de Leon himself, struck by an arrow in the heart, died on the soil of the land he was the first white man to view.

Countless other historic events transpired in Wakulla County in centuries following. Florida's second visitor, Pamphilo de Narvaez, marched from Tampa Bay into the St. Marks-Shell Point vicinity in 1523, seeking the wealthy Indian Village of Aute. He was to meet his ships in the area but they never arrived. He put his men to work building the first ships constructed in America.

The effort was successful, and from what the De Soto Commission of Florida believed was Shell Point, he sailed forth with his party.

The intrepdi explorer, Hernando de Soto, who discovered the Mississippi River, wintered the Leon-Wakulla County area in 1539-1540, and noted in reports that it was a region of abundance and natural resources.

Traders, missionaries and soldiers came and went at intervals for the next 100 years. Then in the 1630s the Spanish built Fort San Marcos, at the conjunction of the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers, and its ruins can still be seen. Efforts are being made to restor it for visitors to view. Ancient manuscripts record that a Spanish frigate from St. Augustine docked at Fort San Marcos, took on a cargo of beans, wild turkey and venison, in the first use of this spot as a port, in 1639.

Moments of romance played parts in Wakulla County's history also. A true "Pocahontas" story occurred here in the early 1800s. Andrew Jackson had been companigning against the Indians. Prophet Francis, cheif of an Indian village on the Wakulla River, captured Duncan McKrimmon, one of Jackson's soldiers, and prepared to burn him at the stake. The chief's daughter, Mallee, with tearful entreaties, persuaded her father to spare McKrimmon's life.

In 1836, to connect Tallahassee with St. Marks, a railroad, the first lasting one in Florida, and among the first half dozen in the whole U.S. was built. Before the Civil War as much as 50,000 bales of cotton a year came in, and went to northern mills through this port. The southern terminus of the railroad was Port Leon, across the river from St. Marks. It became the first county seat after Wakulla County was created from Leon County in 1843. But that same year a storm flattened Port Leon. The people moved three miles upstream to another site and named it New Port (now called Newport) as their new county seat. Here the first court house of the county was built. The town prospered, and a plank road was constructed in 1855 connecting it to another one which went into Georgie. In 1856 New Port had 1,500 inhabitants, and was Florida's sixth largest town.

The War Between the States made history in Wakulla County and the Battle of Natural Bridge. Union forces under Ge. John Newton had taken the St. Marks lightouse and prepared to march up the east bank of the river to take Newport. But Confederate Gen. Miller evactuated the town, burning everything of value destroying the birdge over the river. The next crossing was Natural Bridge, where the river suddenly runs underground for a few feet, and rises again, forming a natural bridge.

Gen. Miller deployed his forces there, awaiting the Union troops, who attacked at 4 a.m. Three times they charged. Three times they were turned back. Then the Confederates attacked. The Union forces retreated back to the coast and re-embarked on their ships. It was a joyous day for the Florida Confederates who received heroes' welcomes at Tallahassee, which was the only state capital east of the Mississippi not captured by Union troops.

After the war one Noah Posey deeded 60 lots to the county on condition the courthouse be moved to Crawfordville, which had been named after Dr. John L. Crawford, Florida sectretary of state from 1881 until 1902. (It is an oddity of political fact that successors in that position since have been only men from Wakulla County.) The courthouse was moved in 1866 to Crawfordville, where it has remained. A new courthouse, opened and dedicated in 1949, is one of Florida's finest.

Surely it can be said that the footprints of history made by famous events left lasting marks on Wakulal County.

Business Activity Shows Gains

An all round business increase reflects a phenomenal growth in the number of fishermen, hunters, and transient travelers attracted to Wakulla County each year. In the decade ending 1960 the number of motel and hotel rooms doubled, redoubled and redoubled again.

Construction of such facilities continues to grow and no signs yet point to a let-up in the volume of this sports and tourist trade. In fact, every indication points up propsects for an even greater increase in the near future.

Additions to existing tourist accomodations and new units are evident in many areas of the county. Even such a booming state as Florida, with her rapidly growing "gold coast" luxury resort areas, Wakulla ranks among the leading six counties in tourist accomodation increases for the past ten eyars.

Yet many valuable business sites still lie ripe for development. New enterprises will propably require less capital in this developing country than almost any other place in Florida. Good locations can still be had at resonable prices.

HIGHWAY GAINS

Travel in number of vehicles per day has more than doubled. For each nine cars on the highways in 1950 there are over 20 cars a dya. Percentagewise, the incrase has been 121 per cent.

Over one and a half million vehicles used Wakulla County's major arteries in the year 1950. Two and three quarters million used them in 1960.

To meet this greater demand of tourists and sportsmen ot see and partake of the county's scenice hunting and fishing, recreational, and other opportunities, the highway netowrk has been greatly expanded.

RETIREMENT AREA

One great potential of Wakulla County which ahs not been fully realized is her possibility as a home for retired citizens. Already new residents have invaded the county to make it their abode for their retired years. However, many such people show no desire to remain inactive.

Wakulla County surely stands as a frontier where those of ingenuity can set their own goals and reach them.

Sites for homes and cottages are abundant at astonishingly reasonable prices in these days of inflated dollars. Scenic locations offer the tranquil beauties of river and Gulf fronts, or pinefilled forest  lands or lots on lake front areas. However, those seeking building sites face the fact that construction ofhomes is on the increase.

Several areas have been subdivided by progressive, forward looking businessmen. Many additional areas appear ready for such developmnet today. The time to make Wakulla county your home is now.

The fishing and hunting possibilities here loom large as an attractiong to retiring businessmen. No where can you find a more ideal place to escape the smog, the speed, the tension, the dizzying crowds of city life. Wakulla County proudly proclaims itself as a rural county, where you can set yourself a leisurely pace in an enjoyable atmosphere.

GLEAMING LANDMARK

St. Marks Lightouse

Wakulla Weather is Pleasant All Year

A gleaming landmark of Wakulla County history, a smiling light for ships at sea, beckons visitors- the 121 year old sunbaked St. Marks lightouse.

Reached over a new paved road from Newport, it's an easy target for tourists, one you won't want to miss while in Wakulla County.

The road winds through a paradise of nature, among some of the 70,000 acrs of the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, known to naturalists the world over for its beauty and as a haven for the creatures of the out-of-doors. There's a wayside park, too, for picnickers.

You might catch glimpses of alligators sunning themselves or slithering through sloughs and streams near the road. Birds fo many kinds are present in abundanc, among them American bald eagles, marsh hens, storks, cranes, and countless thousands of geese and ducks in winter months. Animals which reside here include otter, mink, wildcat, bear, deer, foxes, and panther.

Don't be surprised when you see such creatures, but don't worry. As one tourist has observed, the wildlife "seem to know they're in a sanctuary, and pay little attention to human visitors unless actually disturbed."

WAKULLA WEATHER IS PLEASANT ALL YEAR

You can talk about the weather in Wakulla County and not have to worry about doing anything about it. Because, for outdoor life, it is mighty pleasant on a year round basis.

It's neither too hot, nor too cold, nor too dry, nor too wet. The waters of the Gulf moderate Wakulla County's climate, as breezes cool the air of summer and provide warmth in winter which helps it escape with only slight cold.

Average annual temperature is 68.4 degrees; the average high, 81.4 degrees in July; average low, 54.2 degrees in January; rainfall, 54.03 inches, with slightly more in June, July, August and Septemebr than other months.

For agriculture, the weather is conducive to such crops as peanuts, sweet potatoes, corn, sugar cane, and velvet beans. Livestock thrive on pastures lush with grasses such as Pensacola, common, and Argentine bahia, and legumes, such as crimson clover, white Dutch clover, lespedeza.

Poultry raising is on the increase with room for more development, but Wakulla County's major growth in agriculture has been in cattle farming the past few years. There are over 7,000 acres of improved pasture, and thousands more that are unimproved, out of a total of 37,501 acres devoted to agriculture.

WAKULLA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Driving Force of progress

Energy always builds the house of progress, and someone has to provide the energy and the determination to move forward.

Wakulla county today is vibrating in its greatest era of progress. One driving force behind this advancement is the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce.

Originally chartered in 1928, it operated until the depression and rock-bottom conditions killed it. But afte World War II dynamic citizens re-organized it to work for the economic and social betterment of the county and its citizens.

You can hardly go through Wakulla County without finding works which are monuments to Chamber efforts. It was a prime mover behind obtaining 300 miles of Rural Electrification lines, brining electricity to almost all homes and businesses int the county. It plugged for the county's new $200,000 courthouse and $70,000 jail. These attractive buildings stand as objects of rightful pride for the county's citizenry.

Wakulla County's highway network has risen from the rank as one of the worst in the state to one fo the best, in recent years, due in part to the Chamber of Commerce's vigorous efforts.

Promotion of agriculture and forestry long has been among the Chamber's successful progams. Cooperating with the County Agent and Farm Bureau, it has sponsired pasture tours, recognizing and stimulating farmer's efforts in the county's growing cattle business.

The Chamber long has advocated sound management of Wakulla County forests. Partially as a result, thousands of forest acres have made an amazing comeback from the era of the 1920s when timber was greatly depleted.

Much other effective work ahs been done by this potent force. It has not stood and waited for progress to come. Rather, it has exterted the energy and determination to make the progress of tomorrow a reality of today.

FOR THRILLS IN TRAVEL

Motorist thrill to travls down paved, first class highwys, especially when they wind through land of grandeur and scenic beauty.

Wakulla County can offer its visitors 166 miles of paved roads, which make almost every nook and corner of the county easily accessible.

These highways must be proving somewhat of an attraction. for Florida Road Department figures show that in 1960 over 1,250,000 more vehicles traveled the major arteries in Wakulla County than in 1953.

This remarkable increase is another indication of the tremendous forward strides made in the county's development in the past decade, for the benefits of tourists, sportsmen, new residents and local citizens.