Social Changes and Challenges

The mid-20th century also brought social upheaval. Like elsewhere in the South, Crestview faced the challenges of segregation and civil rights. Schools and public spaces were legally desegregated in the 1960s, though not without resistance. African American communities, long integral to Crestview’s labor force and culture, pressed for equality in education, employment, and civic life.

Economic diversification also meant challenges: small farmers struggled against industrial agriculture, and local businesses faced competition from larger regional chains. Yet Crestview’s location and military ties kept it more stable than many rural towns.

Late 20th-Century Crestview: Growth and Identity

By the 1980s and 1990s, Crestview had become both a bedroom community for Eglin Air Force Base and a self-contained city with its own institutions. New schools, subdivisions, and shopping centers appeared. Tourism also touched Crestview, as travelers headed toward the Gulf Coast beaches of Destin and Fort Walton passed through the city.

The presence of the Air Force remained vital. Many Crestview families had direct ties to the military—whether as active-duty personnel, civilian employees, or retirees. The town developed a reputation for patriotism, stability, and close-knit community values.

At the same time, Crestview balanced modern growth with its small-town charm. Main Street retained historic storefronts, while annual festivals celebrated local heritage. shutdown123