New Orleans, La. and South Walton, Walton County, Florida have more connections than you may know. The Ogden Gallery in WaterColor in SoWal was delightful while it was open and reflected the close ties to New Orleans. The history and connections for New Orleans and Walton County are most interesting. Enjoy these pictures and notes.

You probably don't know of Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert's connection to New Orleans. Octavia was the daughter of Walton County, Florida's namesake, George Walton, Jr. She not only met Lafayette when he traveled to Mobile before his 1825 New Orleans visit, but Octavia gave the tribute to Henry Clay when his monument was first placed in New Orleans in 1856. Henry Clay and Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert had been very good friends since her debut
trip to Washington D.C. in 1833. One of her children was even named after Clay.

Two streets in New Orleans are named for Clay and Octavia along St. Charles Street. They are in close proximity in space today as they were in times past. (Original research notes by Brenda Rees, Shaping Florida)

New Orleans is just a five hour drive from South Walton. You can enjoy your stay at the Beaches of South Walton and then still get away for a special weekend in New Orleans to pick up a special art exhibit or a New Orleans Saints game.
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All Photographs by Brenda Rees (c) All Rights Reserved
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