Establishment Blountstown was officially established in the early 19th century. Its location along the Apalachicola River made it an ideal center for commerce, transportation, and settlement. The river provided access to inland farms, forests, and the Gulf of Mexico, facilitating trade and communication. Naming of the Town The town was named in

Spanish Florida Spanish explorers arrived in the Florida Panhandle in the 16th century, seeking to claim territory and convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity. Spanish missions were established in nearby regions, introducing European livestock, crops, and religious practices. Although the area of present-day Blountstown remained largely rura

Introduction Blountstown, Florida, serves as the county seat of Calhoun County in the Florida Panhandle. Nestled along the Apalachicola River, Blountstown has a rich history shaped by Indigenous peoples, European settlement, frontier life, agriculture, and small-town resilience. Despite its modest size, the town reflects the complex interplay of g

Gasparilla Island Lighthouse The historic Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, built in 1890, is an iconic symbol of Boca Grande’s maritime history. It guided ships carrying phosphate and other goods to port and remains a popular tourist attraction. Boca Grande Historic District The district includes preserved homes, commercial buildings, and communi