Heart of Niceville

Peaceful, cute and friendly town full of hard working and caring folks!

Quick history lesson on Niceville!

Niceville has one of the more interesting histories on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Long before it became known for its excellent schools and proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, it was a small fishing and lumber community called Boggy.

Early history

* Thousands of years before European settlement, Native American peoples lived around what is now Boggy Bayou and Choctawhatchee Bay. Archaeological finds, including projectile points and burial mounds, show the area has been inhabited for millennia.
* In the 1840s, English immigrant William Nathey settled near the head of Boggy Bayou. He later built a gristmill in 1857, helping establish one of the area’s earliest permanent settlements.

The town of “Boggy”

* The community originally took its name from Boggy Bayou, where fishing—especially mullet—was the backbone of the local economy.
* During the Civil War, the area saw activity from both Union and Confederate forces because of nearby salt works and waterways. Families from the community fought on both sides.
* A post office opened on July 21, 1868, which is considered Niceville’s official founding date.

Why did Boggy become Niceville?

In the early 1900s, residents felt the name “Boggy” gave visitors the wrong impression. Despite having beautiful, clear bayou waters, the name sounded muddy and unattractive.
On November 5, 1910, the town officially became Niceville. According to local tradition, the new name was suggested by the postmaster’s daughter because it simply sounded “nice.”