William Augustus Bowles Museum & Historical Foundation

The William Augustus Bowles Museum & Historical Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of tourism on the Gulf Coast. Our focus lies on the development and preservation of the rich history of Okaloosa and Walton County, two counties located in the Florida Panhandle. Our goal is to encourage people to visit the area, learn about its past, and experience its natural beauty.

One of our main objectives is to promote historical festivals and events that highlight the rich history of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. We believe that these events offer an opportunity to celebrate the region's unique history while also providing educational opportunities for people of all ages. Through these festivals and events, we hope to encourage local communities to take pride in their customs, traditions, and stories and to share them with others.

Our foundation also works in close collaboration with other organizations in the area to assist them in the education, promotion, and preservation of local history. We support the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, cities, counties, and other organizations in these efforts. Our goal is to help ensure that the area's history is preserved for future generations.

The William Augustus Bowles Museum & Historical Foundation is named in honor of legendary William Augustus Bowles (a.k.a. Captain Billy Bowlegs). He was a British loyalist who founded the State of Muscogee in 1799. Bowles lived amongst the Creek Indians and developed a relationship with them. The Creek Indians later declared him Chief of the Muskogee Nation. Bowles' goal was to re-establish British authority in Florida and to create an Indian state which would ally with Britain against the United States.

One of the most significant events that the foundation organizes is the Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. The festival is a celebration of community, local businesses, family fun, and the legendary exploits of Captain Billy Bowlegs.