Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Main Street DeFuniak Springs in Walton County has been designated the September 2024 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.
“Main Street DeFuniak Springs continues to spearhead efforts to revitalize its historic downtown,” said Secretary Byrd. “The success of local businesses and community events demonstrates the effectiveness of the Main Street program on promoting economic development in tandem with historic preservation.”
Originally inhabited by Native Americans, DeFuniak Springs’ modern story began on March 4, 1881, when the Florida Legislature incorporated the Pensacola & Atlantic Railroad, a subsidiary of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad (L&N). During a survey expedition, the team discovered a picturesque area with a lake known as Open Pond. W.D. Chipley, the survey leader, recognized the site's potential and decided it would be ideal for a new town. Chipley named the lake and town DeFuniak Springs after Frederick R. DeFuniak, president of L&N Railroad.
In 1885, Chipley and his partners established the Lake DeFuniak Land Company (LDLC) to transform the railroad stop into a thriving town. Their vision included developing a health and hunting resort. Following a meeting between LDLC and the Chautauqua Movement in New York in 1883, the Florida Chautauqua Association was established in 1884, bringing cultural and educational events to DeFuniak Springs. These events included Florida’s first Arbor Day celebration in 1885 and establishing Walton County Library in 1886—the state’s oldest library still operating out of its original building.
DeFuniak Springs also became known for its educational institutions such as Florida Normal College (later integrated into Florida State University), McCormick University (1886-1888), Palmer College (1907-1936), and Thomas Industrial Institute. The town’s cultural significance continued through annual Music Festivals that drew crowds from across the state during the early to mid-20th century.
Today, DeFuniak Springs preserves its historical charm while celebrating its past. Restoration efforts funded significantly through Florida Department of State grants have transformed landmarks like Walton Heritage Museum housed in a historic train depot and Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood—a community gathering place despite damage from Hurricane Eloise in 1975.
Main Street DeFuniak Springs (MSDFS) was formed in 2017 by commercial developer Reynolds Henderson along with other local citizens aiming to revive its early 1900s vibrancy. “Growing up in Alabama, I have been passing through DeFuniak Springs my entire life on my way to the beach,” said Henderson. “I realized there was a Historic Downtown DeFuniak Springs... I could see potential... I wanted to own property in this amazing town! We are just scratching surface.”
Since MSDFS's inception with only 18 businesses downtown compared to over 60 today resulting net addition jobs totaling at least113; $7 million-plus public/private investments alongside more than3k volunteer hours have been reported . Hosting events like Farmers Market Whiskey Tango Merry Main Street annual Christmas festival encompassing Lake decorative lights among others partnerships including Cultural Arts Alliance enhances aesthetics creative projects contributing further growth
For more information on Main Street DeFuniak Springs visit MainStreetDFS.org or follow Facebook Instagram To learn about Florida Main Street program visit FloridaMainStreet.com or follow Facebook Instagram
About Florida Main Street
Florida Main Street is administered by Division Historical Resources under Department overseeing56 communities statewide implementing National Center Four Point Approach encouraging economic development within context historic preservation revitalizing downtowns—community heart soul
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