By Barbara Palmgren
Next to the Shalimar Library is the gravesite of a man whose legacy is celebrated as that of an early pioneer in Okaloosa County. That man was Augustus “Gus” Tart, an Afro-American born into slavery in 1840 in South Carolina who registered to vote as a free man and moved to Northwest Florida in 1864 to begin a new life. His life is an example of integrity and perseverance.
And what a life! Near Garnier’s Bayou on Choctawhatchee Bay, Gus, a widower with two sons, became a skilled outdoorsman, taking prominent visitors fishing and hunting at the camp he created. Newspaper articles from Pensacola describe governors, senators and judges visiting his camp and commending his warmth and honesty.
In 1903, under the Homestead Act, Gus acquired approximately 134 acres of land along Choctawhatchee Bay from President Theodore Roosevelt. Yes, when you visit the County Courthouse or cheer for the football team at Meigs Middle School, you are standing on land once owned by Augustus Tart. Modern-day Shalimar is part of his lasting legacy.
Gus also prepared meals for John Thomas Brooks, one of the founders of Fort Walton Beach, and bequeathed most of his real and personal property to Brooks in his will, dated Oct. 3, 1915.
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, hundreds of people gathered for a dedication ceremony at the Armament Museum to honor this historic pioneer. The ceremony was a joint effort of the NAACP, Okaloosa County Branch; the Okaloosa County American 250 Commission; the Town of Shalimar; the Shalimar Library and Thrift Store; and other community leaders and organizations. Stories about Gus were shared by Mrs. Kay Brooks on behalf of the Brooks family, Mr. Johann Behken from the Shalimar Library, and Mr. Statia McNeese from the NAACP Research Committee.
Further remarks were made by Carolyn Ketchel, Okaloosa County Commissioner; Graham Fountain, on behalf of Congressman Jimmy Patronis; Shannon Hayes, Vice President of the Carver Hill Museum; and Mark Franks, Mayor of the Town of Shalimar. Sabu Williams, President of the Okaloosa Branch of the NAACP, made closing statements. A lovely reception followed, with memorabilia on display for visitors.
A permanent historical marker will soon be installed near the Augustus Tart gravesite, close to the Shalimar Library. Recognition and appreciation continued with proclamations by Congressman Patronis and Mayor Franks. The City of Shalimar has proclaimed that August 22 will be Augustus Tart Day.
Mayor Franks shared a quote at the event that was so meaningful: “I want you to think about this for a moment. A man who was born into slavery became a landowner whose property would help shape the community in which we stand today. Let us honor Gus Tart not simply by remembering his name, but by remembering what his life represents, which is freedom, perseverance, dignity, entrepreneurship, community, and the enduring power of a person to leave a mark far greater than he could ever imagine.”
Thank you, Mayor Franks, for saying what we all knew as we listened to tales about the life of Augustus Tart—the man who first owned the land that is now Shalimar, Florida. His legacy is indeed one for us to admire and remember.
