BLOUNTSTOWN, FLORIDA

Located in the heart of Florida’s Panhandle, Blountstown serves as the county seat of Calhoun County.

Just a few minutes south of Interstate 10, it offers easy access to larger cities like Tallahassee, about an hour east, and Panama City, about one hour south.

Old Calhoun County Courthouse

The Apalachicola River, a vital waterway known for its biodiversity, and good fishing borders the city to the east.  Blountstown’s population is approximately 2,279.

Blountstown’s history is deeply rooted in Native American heritage and early American expansion. The area was home to Creek Indians from Georgia and Alabama who settled along the Apalachicola River in the early 1700s.

The city is named for John Blount, a Creek chief who guided General Andrew Jackson during his 1818 invasion of Spanish Florida, targeting Seminole tribes.

This campaign prompted Spain to sell Florida to the United States in 1821 and Blount was granted a reservation along the river in 1823, where he and his tribe traded with American and English companies and raised cattle.

Panhandle Pioneer Park

After the 1832 Treaty of Payne’s Landing, Blount was relocated to Texas, and his land was opened to white settlers.

By 1838, Calhoun County was established, and early settlers, including Shadrick Sutton, purchased parts of Blount’s former reservation.

Cotton planters from the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama flocked to the fertile river valley, growing cotton and corn.

Sam Atkins Park

Steamboat landings like Ocheesee Landing and Iola thrived until the decline of river transport. Blountstown became the county seat in 1880, with a courthouse built near the river.

The city was chartered in 1903, and a new courthouse was constructed, now a historic landmark. The early 20th century saw growth in naval stores and timber, with companies like Neal Lumber employing hundreds.

Blountstown has an Old Florida feel. The historic downtown features quaint, old-style buildings housing local businesses.

Agriculture and timber remain economic staples, though the town faced devastation from Hurricane Michael in 2018, which destroyed much of these industries and damaged 80% of homes and businesses.

Blountstown City Hall
By Michael Rivera, Wikimedia

Recovery efforts have partially revitalized the community, with a focus on preserving its heritage.

Lake Hilda Next To City Hall

Shopping in Blountstown is modest but charming. While it lacks extensive galleries or antique shops, the downtown area offers some unique boutiques and local eateries.

There are also several chain restaurants such as McDonalds and Subway.

Restaurants like Lindy’s Chicken, a staple since 1968, and Parramore’s Too, known for fried catfish, draw locals and visitors. 

The shady side streets in Blountstown have a mix of old Florida cracker style homes and some more modern homes.

There are many vacant lots with the evidence of structures having been demolished and removed after Hurricane Michael.

Home in Blountstown

Blountstown is not a fancy tourist town, but you get the feeling it would not be a bad place to live.

BLOUNTSTOWN GOAT DAY

Blounstown Fancy Goat

Goat Day is one of the largest arts & craft festivals across the panhandle!

Held annually on the third Saturday in October, the event is coordinated in conjunction with the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement's Pioneer Day, just across the park.

Arts, crafts, entertainment, demonstrations, food, and goats - what more could you ask for?! All proceeds go towards local college scholarships.

M&B Railroad Memorial Park