Chipley FL Real Estate
Chipley, FL real estate offers a wide variety of property choices from commercial properties, to gorgeous country estates on small acreage in a subdivision, to lakefront log cabins, to a golf course community homes. Why not build your Florida dream home on one of the lots for sale in Chipley?
About Chipley FL
Chipley, FL is the County Seat of Washington County which had a total population of 3,592 as of the 2000 census. The community, once known as Orange, was renamed Chipley in 1882 for a railroad tycoon and Florida state senator, William Dudley Chipley.
The original plat called for the town to be situated on a hill in Jackson County about three miles from Tank Pond which provided water for steam-driven locomotives passing through the area. Promoters of a new town wanted to achieve County Seat status, but they realized that Marianna was well established as Jackson County’s seat. So, these men convinced Chipley to move the town into Washington County on 80 acres of land which is now the town’s business district.
Before long, produce like pears, watermelons, cotton, tobacco, and sweet potatoes were being shipped from the farming community via the railcars until the “Big Fire” of 1898 gutted 35 buildings in the business district. Just over two years later, another suspicious fire struck in the business area, but the steadfast determination of the residents to persevere brought the town back from ashes yet again.
Chipley FL Schools
The Chipley High School District was created in 1890 and an election was held to decide if the district should be taxed to increase school privileges. The school building was a two-story with four classrooms, an auditorium, a bell tower, and five teachers. Today there are four schools in Chipley with 2,088 students enrolled. These schools are part of the Washington County School District.
Things to Do in Chipley FL
If you are looking for something to do in Washington County, there’s a wealth of natural beauty to enjoy. Falling Waters Country Club and Sunny Hills Country Club offers public golf courses. For a real challenge, the Great Oaks Golf Course will fill the bill. For racing enthusiasts, the Ebro Greyhound Race Track is worth a visit. Fishermen, canoers, and rafters will enjoy the rivers, creeks, and lakes and the Falling Waters State Recreation area is excellent for hiking, swimming, and camping.