Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Landing
| | Susan Sloat Pryor Myers Historic Walking Trail | |
1. The Landing Marker
Local lore claims there is no doubt that pirate ships sailed the waters of this area. The Bay and its coves served as places to hide in order to repair ships and allow battle weary men to recuperate. The most legendary pirate of the area was, and still is, Billy Bowlegs. One account has it that Billy retired from active piracy in 1828 after serving as a Lieutenant to Jean Lafitte. They say that Billy brought his 'retirement fund' (a fortune in gold and silver) to this area. In the early 1900s, people spent countless hours searching for his treasure. Others attribute the Billy Bowlegs moniker to William Augustus Bowles (1763-1805) who sailed the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in the very early 1800s.
Fort Walton Beach holds an annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival in celebration of the pirate legend.
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: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. 30° 24.185′ N, 86° 36.443′ W. Marker is in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, in Okaloosa County. It is on Brooks Street
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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); Indianola Inn & Indianola Mound (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Walton (about 300 feet away); Okaloosa County Desert Storm Memorial (about 300 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 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2025. This page has been viewed 723 times since then and 23 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on February 11, 2025.
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