A Brief History of Destin
As you drive over the East Pass Bridge that enters Destin, you'll behold one of the scenic wonders of Florida where bay meets Gulf. Here, ever changing sandbars create beautiful patterns that sparkle in the sun, and the blue waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. A spectacle of color accented with charter boats cruising through the pass creates a drama that only nature can perform. It was in 1845 that Captain Leonard Destin, a shipmaster from Connecticut, arrived in the areas, found it to his liking and decided to settle here. He started the first commercial fishing business, and today's prosperous commercial and charter fisherman are his lineal descendants by trade if not by family tree. Captain Destin was not the only one to appreciate the fishing, scenery, and climate of the East pass area. He was soon followed by other commercial fisherman, and by the early 1900's there were 18 shorelines of the inlet. Each had its own bunkhouse and cookhouse, boat, schooner, and seine net. For almost a century there was only one road full of potholes that connected the peninsula with the rest of the world. Mail came in by boat from Ft. Walton Beach. Then in 1935, Highway 98 and the bridge over East Pass were built, and the world discovered Destin. Sports fishermen will go almost anywhere to test their luck against the marlin and sailfish, and both are plentiful and accessible in this part of the Gulf. It wasn't long before the commercial fishermen also began to reap the harvest as charter boat skippers. Some commercial fishing still exists in Destin, and you can sit in a waterfront restaurant and watch the boats move up and down the channel. Various types of housing, unique shops and specialty restaurants are available to visitors. Friendly people, emerald green waters and windswept dunes complement the proud heritage of this exquisite fishing community. Year after year this friendly fishing village welcomes thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the modern gulf side resorts, condominiums, and the white sand and sparkling waters. As a result of the election on November 6, 1984, Destin became incorporated into a city, making it the second largest in Okaloosa County. Awareness and appreciation of the beauty and serenity of this coastal area takes but one visit. Written by Susan Meyers |