Panhandle Pioneer Settlement

Specialties

The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, a living-​history museum in Blountstown, Florida, has a collection of 18 historical buildings, dating from 1820 to the 1940s. Now arranged on five acres to replicate an idyllic farm community, the buildings were moved from their original locations throughout Calhoun County. During the year, the Settlement is home to numerous events and festivals, and offers classes on the trades and crafts of the past.

History

Established in 1989.

The Pioneer Settlement officially opened for the acquisition of our 18 buildings in 1989. The Settlement is part of Calhoun County’s Sam Atkins Rec. Park. In 1990, the Yon House was moved to the Settlement, and in 1991 we acquired the Bailey Log Cabin and the Sexton Log Cabin. The last building moved onto the Settlement grounds was the Clubhouse that had been built by a Blountstown Women’s Club to be used as a community center. When a new community center was built the clubhouse was used occasionally by the schools for classes and such, over time the Clubhouse fell into disuse and disrepair. In 2005 it became the last of the buildings that make up the 18 buildings of the Settlement. The Settlement now has a doctor’s office, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a gymnasium, a cobbler’s shop, the clubhouse, and a grist mill to add to the 4 cabins and 1 house that makes up the Settlement to represent most small towns of the Florida Panhandle.

Meet the Manager

Willard S.

Manager

Willard Smith is the co-​founder of the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, along with his wife Linda Smith, and the founder of the FL Artist Blacksmith Association. We spent 3 years singlehandedly clearing the woods and brush of the 5 acres that Calhoun County gave to the Settlement for it’s use. He has spent the past 25 years acquiring the buildings and restoring them to their original condition. He is an accomplished blacksmith, cane syrup maker, and teacher of the history of Calhoun County.