Revolution Road: Washington County's Revolutionary War Driving Tour

Washington County will launch Revolution Road, a driving tour marking the region's Revolutionary War sites, on July 2 at the Washington County TDC Visitor Center, 672 5th Street in Chipley.

The Washington County Tourist Development Council partnered with DR Historic Preservation, Inc. to create the tour using a state America 250 grant. Thirty interpretive panels across fourteen locations trace an east-west route British troops used during the Revolutionary War. The tour ends at Blue Lake Park by Interstate 10.

Northwest Florida has no marked Revolutionary War sites despite the region's strategic importance during the conflict. The panels document why West Florida shaped the nation's history and explain the war's impact on the region, the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution.

British army engineer Lt. Ph. Pittman first documented the road in 1768, traveling from Pensacola to St. Marks. Cartographer Joseph Purcell mapped it in 1778 as the only east-west trail across East and West Florida during the Revolutionary War. British troops and Seminole and Creek parties allied with the British traveled the route. Significant sections remain visible today, some serving as modern roads.

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. July 2. A motorcade will travel to Orange Hill Park, where Revolutionary War re-enactors will perform. The Washington County Historical Society and Vernon Historical Society will display exhibits. Trail brochures will be available, and refreshments will be served at the visitor center.

For information, contact the Tourist Development Council at 850-638-6013.