Taylor County was created in 1856. It was named for Zachary Taylor, twelfth President of the United States. Its county seat is Perry. Taylor County is home to nearly 60 miles of coastline, four rivers (Econfina, Aucilla, Fenholloway, and Steinhatchee Rivers), numerous streams and creeks, springs, a border on the Apalachee Bay, both natural and artificial reefs and quick access to the Gulf of Mexico. The county has a total area of 1,232 square miles, of which 1,043 square miles is land and 189 square miles (15.3%) is water.