The Museum of Florida History gives a real overview of the culture of the paleo-Indians in the Tallahassee region and the history of the Civil War, Florida’s industrial development and the Civil Rights movement. The address is 500 South Bronough St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250. Further information is available at museumoffloridahistory.com
At the Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park you can learn about the culture of the Native Americans who from 800 years ago. If you’re interested in finding out about life long before modern conveniences such as mobile phones, Partypoker; and home cinema systems, then this is a good place to start. The site was part of what is now known as the South-eastern Ceremonial Complex. There are six earthen temple mounds and one burial mound. The largest mound is 278 feet by 312 feet at the base and approximately 36 feet in height. You can picnic As well as exploring the mounds you can find out about the fascinating culture from the artifacts found here, including copper breastplates, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and cloaks. It’s possible to picnic on a grassy area near the largest mound. More information can be found at floridastateparks.org
For vivid insight into the history and culture of one of the largest 17th century missions in the area, visit the Mission San Luis. Excavations have revealed a Spanish fort, a church and buildings connected with the Franciscan friars, several dwellings and an Indian Meeting House: a vast conical structure that is the largest known in the south-east of the US. These have been thoughtfully reconstructed; there are actors in costume who bring the 1600s to life. There is also an impressive Visitor Centre. The address is 2100 West Tennessee St. Tallahassee FL. For more information see missionsanluis.org
A visit to the Tallahassee Museum will help you to appreciate the history and the culture of Tallahassee’s different European inhabitants. You will see lots of species in their natural habitats. You pass through restored farmsteads, buildings, and exhibits from the eras when timber barons, cattle ranchers and plantations were the thing. This includes ‘Bellevue’, the 1840s ‘cottage’-style plantation house belonging to the great-grandniece of George Washington. The Discovery Centre has a wealth of information about the animals and plants you see. The address is 3945 Museum Drive, Tallahassee FL. More information can be found at tallahasseemuseum.org
For a full experience of the most elaborate of the 1840s plantation houses, visit the Goodwood Museum and Gardens. This was purchased by the botanist Hardy Bryan Croom, and many heirloom plants adorn the grounds in addition to the classic grand live oaks. 1600 Miccosukee Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32308. For more information see goodwoodmuseum.org
Two districts of Tallahassee enable you the grandeur of Tallahassee’s 19th century.
The first is the Park Avenue District of Downtown Tallahassee – a collection of 27 historic buildings –enables you to relive the grandeur of Tallahassee’s 19th century. You can admire the 1830 Columns, currently the Chamber of Commerce; the 1838 First Presbyterian Church, which is the oldest building in the capital and the oldest church in Florida still to be in use; the 1838 Murphy House, which houses antiques shops, and the 1843 William V. Knott House, which is a free museum. During the Civil War this was the headquarters of the conquering Union Army, and it was on the front steps here that the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring freedom for all slaves in Florida, was read out in 1865.
The second is the Calhoun Street Historic District. Spanning from 1840 to 1940, this collection of 16 former homes of planters governors and wealthy businessmen has been dubbed ‘gold-dust street’. More information is available at waymarking.com
Tallahassee’s acquisition of status as the state capital coincided with revived interest in the neo-classical style. The capitol building was completed in 1845. Since the building of the 23-storey modern capitol building, it has become known as the Old Capitol. You can visit this building free of charge and see the amazing stained glass cupola. 400 South Monroe St. Tallahassee 32399 FL. For more information see flhistoriccapitol.gov
