"Along the Bay"
In Along the Bay, you’ll follow this area’s past as it changed from Indian camps to the bustling metropolis that it is today.You’ll read about some of the first visitors who came from Marianna, Tallahassee, South Georgia and South Alabama. They journeyed here for the bounteous bay that provided all types of fish, oysters, and beautiful water that was excellent for swimming and sailing opportunities.
Next came the Civil War, which changed this area forever. Hundreds of men and families traveled to the bay to make salt from sea water that was needed by the Confederacy. Blockade running also took place here as did skirmishes between Yankees and Confederates.
After the war, St. Andrews became the headquarters of a mail-order scheme in which thousands of people invested their money for lots and acreage that grew all types of citrus, pecans and blueberries. When they arrived at St. Andrew Bay some were satisfied with their land. Others were not. With farming interests important, they homesteaded or purchased property at different locations around the bay.
In 1906, George West, R.L. McKenzie, A.B. Steele and A.J. Gay established and promoted Panama City. By that time, Millville was a flourishing mill town east of Panama and St. Andrews remained popular west of Panama City. In 1926, both of these towns were incorporated into Panama City. In 1929, Hathaway and Dupont Bridges spanned the bays, opening the Gulf Coast to travel. Developers began promoting a few places on Panama City Beach.
The paper mill opened on 1931 and in 1941 Tyndall Field was established on the East Peninsula. In 1942, both the Navy Base and Wainwright Shipyard joined the World War II efforts.
The end of the war brought development to Panama City Beach. The beach changed from motels and small hotels to the giant condominiums of today.
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