City of Milton Water System

City of Milton Water System Municipal Water Report Info

Historical Background
Milton, the county seat of Santa Rosa County, is nestled near the center of Florida's western Panhandle, adjacent to the Blackwater River. It ranks among Florida's oldest cities, officially incorporated in 1844 under the Florida Territorial Acts. During its foundational era, the Blackwater River served as the primary transportation channel for timber, lumber, brick, naval stores, and shipbuilding industries.

Early Settlement
Milton's roots trace back to the early 19th century when settlers began establishing communities along the riverbanks. In its earliest days, the settlement was likely referred to simply as Blackwater.

Name Origins
The exact origin of the name "Milton" remains uncertain, but historians believe it evolved from "Milltown," highlighting the significance of the local timber industry. Local legend suggests the area was also known for one of its most troublesome features: the thorns and briars growing along the riverbanks, earning it the nickname "Scratch Ankle."

Civil War Impact
The Civil War devastated Milton's development, with most commercial facilities destroyed early in the conflict to prevent their use by Federal troops. Many residents fled to Alabama, and numerous families lost their homes during this turbulent period.

Railroad Era
The 1880s brought the railroad to Milton, adding a new dimension to the region's commercial activities. Soon, railway tracks extended throughout the county, reaching deep into the northern forests as timber-related industries flourished. Communities like Munson and Belandville emerged along these tracks. As virgin forestlands were cleared, agriculture became a vital industry, with cotton and peanuts becoming staple crops.

First Courthouse and Historic Fires
Milton's first courthouse, located on Berryhill Road at the site of the current Berryhill School Administration building, initially served as the Town Hall. The community endured three devastating fires in 1885 and 1892, each largely destroying the commercial districts. The most catastrophic fire occurred in 1909, leveling nearly every building within two blocks of the river, including the Town Hall. Downtown Milton today reflects the aggressive rebuilding efforts that followed this disaster.

Modern Development
By the early 20th century, Milton began providing many services typical of larger cities. An electrical plant was installed at the town's edge on Berryhill Road in 1910, soon followed by a modern waterworks with a 110-foot steel water tower at the same location. The Milton Fire Department was established in 1914, and infrastructure development continued with sewer lines and paved streets. A bridge was constructed over the Blackwater River at the foot of Grace Street, replacing the ferry that had operated from the end of Berryhill Road for over 70 years.

World War II and Beyond
As World War II approached, the timber industry began declining as forests diminished. However, the war created demand for Naval Aviators, leading the U.S. Navy to build N.A.S. Whiting Field north of Milton. Over time, Whiting Field and its associated outlying fields became the premier training facility for Naval Aviators and an essential part of the region.

Present Day
The 2011 Census estimated Milton's population at over 9,100 residents across approximately five square miles. The city operates with a Council-Manager form of government. Manufacturing, service industries, agriculture, and military installations now form the economic backbone of the region. Milton continues to maintain a delicate balance between small-town charm and modern urban amenities, with ongoing residential growth alongside dedicated historic preservation efforts in the downtown area.