DeFuniak Springs in Walton County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Recreation

— The Florida Chautauqua Resort/Campus —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. Recreation Marker

Inscription. Recreation stood as one of the four pillars of the Florida Chautauqua. Recreational activities at the Assembly were offered primarily through boating and swimming courses on this perfectly round, spring-fed lake which served as the centerpiece of the entire resort/ campus. In 1886, Florida Chautauqua leaders arranged for The Duke, an American steam screw, to be transported by rail from Milton, Florida and placed in the lake as an added attraction. However, the attraction was later replaced with sail yachts, canoes and rowboats for the enjoyment of Florida Chautauqua resort/ campus guests.
(caption)
Chautauqua guests enjoy seeing “The Duke” in 1886

Erected by Florida Department of State and the City of DeFuniak Springs. (Marker Number #14.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Places • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 30° 43.028′ N, 86° 6.919′ W. Marker is in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, in Walton County. It can be reached from the intersection of Circle Drive and West Avenue, on the left when traveling south. The

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marker is located behind Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood near the lake. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 88 Circle Dr, Defuniak Springs FL 32435, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Tabernacle (within shouting distance of this marker); Florida Education Association: The Beginning (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood (within shouting distance of this marker); Methodist Episcopal Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood (about

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Recreation Marker

300 feet away); St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church (about 300 feet away); The DeFuniak Library (about 500 feet away); Walton-DeFuniak Library (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeFuniak Springs.

Also see . . .
1. Florida Chautauqua Association - Our History. (Submitted on April 7, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Walking Tour Overview. (Submitted on April 7, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.