Panama City in Bay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Baker-Whitehurst House
1883
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2025
1. Baker-Whitehurst House Marker
This house was constructed by Robert M. & Mariah P. Baker of Jackson County as a summer cottage. The original home faced West to catch bay breezes in the two small kitchen windows. It was later turned and relocated to the adjacent lot. The property changed ownership several times and was purchased in 1967 by the Whitehurst family and has undergone extensive restoration and remodeling. The Baker family owned and developed a large portion of the "Old Town" area along St. Andrews Bay. Baker Court, which runs parallel to Beach Drive is named in their honor.
Erected by Historical Society of Bay County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 30° 9.868′ N, 85° 41.224′ W. Marker is in Panama City, Florida, in Bay County. It is on West Beach Drive (Business U.S. 98) just west of Fairland Avenue, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located beside the walkway, directly in front of the subject property. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1612 West Beach Drive, Panama City FL 32401, 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: William Leroy MacGowan (within shouting distance of this marker); George M. West Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); The St. Andrew Bay Saltworks
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. St. Andrews Bay Skirmish (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); St. Andrew Skirmish (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Historical Society of Bay County: Historical Markers Program.
Excerpt: The goals and objectives of this program are to (1) increase the look and prestige of Bay County by honoring buildings 50 or more years old with Historic Markers on their buildings, (2) enhance historical awareness in our community by bringing history to the streets, (3) encourage community home and business owners to work toward development of an historic district.(Submitted on October 15, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2025
2. Baker-Whitehurst House Marker
The house is set back significantly from West Beach Drive and is obscured by trees and shrubs behind the marker.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2025
3. Baker-Whitehurst House (south/front elevation)
View looking north from behind the historical marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
