Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Landing
| | Susan Sloat Pryor Myers Historic Walking Trail | |
circa 2025
1. The Landing Marker
The Landing consists of 5.86 acres of land on Santa Rosa Sound. The area has an important prehistoric Native American Shell, or Midden Mound, dating from the Woodland Time period. It is also the site of an encampment of Confederate soldiers called the Walton Guard. Their encampment site would later be at the center of the developing city. Walton Guard acted as an independent company guarding the Narrows on Santa Rosa Sound and the East Pass in the defense of the navy yard at Pensacola. The Guard saw action when some of the men went to East Pass (Destin) to confront a Union landing party and gunboat. The Guard ambushed the Union party.
The Walton Guard fought as part of the Confederate 1st Florida Infantry Regiment at the Battles of Perryville, Stone's River, Vicksburg, Chattanooga and the Atlanta Campaign. The land was acquired by the City of Fort Walton Beach and became the Landing Park in the 1986.
Erected 2019 by Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida. Foundation of Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Landing (a few steps from this marker); Fort Walton (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indianola Inn & Indianola Mound (about 300 feet away); Okaloosa County Desert Storm Memorial (about 400 feet away); Indianola Inn, An Indian Midden Mound, and Civil War Cannons (about 400 feet away); Story of the Fort Walton Temple Mound (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Story of the Fort Walton Temple Mound (about 400 feet away); Preserving and Protecting the Mound (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Walton Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2025. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 38 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on February 11, 2025. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
