History
Origins
The City of Milton, the county seat of Santa Rosa County, is located near the center of this western Florida Panhandle county, adjacent to the Blackwater River. The City of Milton is among the oldest cities in Florida, incorporated in 1844 under the Florida Territorial Acts of 1844.
In founding days, the Blackwater River served as the main transportation artery for timber, lumber, brick, naval stores and ship building industries. Milton roots go back to the early 1800s when people began settling along the banks of the river. In its earliest days, the settlement may have been referred to simply as Blackwater.
The origin of the name Milton is uncertain, but was likely a derivation of Milltown, demonstrating the importance of the lumber industry in the area. Legend has it that the area was also referred to by one of its most irritating features: the brambles and briars that once grew along the banks of the river. Hence, in early days Milton was referred to as Scratch Ankle.
Civil War Effects
The Civil War had a catastrophic effect on progress in the city, being most commercial facilities were destroyed early in the war to prevent their use by Federal troops. Many residents fled to Alabama during the war and many lost their estates.
Railroad Comes to Milton
In the early 1880s, the railroad came to town, bringing a new dimension to the commercial activities of the area. Soon, railroad tracks covered the county, extending deep into the forests north of town as timber related industries flourished. Small towns such as Munson and Belandville began to spring up along the tracks. As virgin forest lands were cleared, farming became a major industry, with cotton and peanuts becoming the staple crops.
First Courthouse
The first courthouse in Milton, located on Berryhill Road on the site of the current Berryhill School Administration building, served as the Town Hall. Three devastating fires struck Milton in 1885 and 1892. Each largely destroyed the commercial sections of town. The worst fire of all, in 1909, razed almost every building within two blocks of the river, including the Town Hall. One of the few buildings remaining was the old courthouse. Downtown Milton today reflects the aggressive rebuilding effort that took place in the years following after this fire.
Shaping Into a City
In the early part of the 20th Century, the City of Milton began to provide many of the services and conveniences of larger cities. In 1910, an electrical plant was installed at the edge of town on Berryhill Road. Shortly after, a modern waterworks, with 110-foot tall steel water tower, was erected at the same site. The Milton Fire Department was established in 1914.
Over the next several years infrastructure began as sewer lines were laid, and streets were paved. A bridge was built across the Blackwater River at the foot of Grace Street, replacing the ferry which operated from the end of Berryhill Road for over 70 years.
World War II
As World War II approached, the trees were disappearing and the lumber industry began to decline. But war produced the need for Naval Aviators and the U.S. Navy built N.A.S. Whiting Field north of Milton. Over time, Whiting Field, and its associated out lying fields, became the preeminent training facility for Naval Aviators, and a vital part of our community.
Present Day
2011 Census estimates put Milton's population at over 9,100 residents for the roughly five square mile city. Milton operates with a Council - Manager form of government. Manufacturing, service, farming and military are now major industries of the area. Milton is a vital, progressive city able to maintain the fine balance between small town charm and modern urban life. While the growth in new housing continues, historic preservation remains important, as exhibited in the city’s Downtown Historic District.