| Florida's Capitol Hill Photo Courtesy of Visit Florida |
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Tallahassee's Canopy Roads |
Nestled between the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the juncture of Florida's peninsula and panhandle in Leon County, Tallahassee is 20 mi (32 km) north of the Gulf of Mexico and 14 mi (23 km) south of the Georgia border. Tallahassee is surrounded by several state parks and situated on the northeastern edge of Apalachicola National Forest. Inside Florida, Tallahassee is 166 mi (267 km) west of Jacksonville, 104 mi (167 km) northeast of Panama City and 262 mi (422 km) northwest of Orlando. Albany, Georgia, is 97 mi (156 km) north of Tallahassee, and Montgomery, Alabama, is 213 mi (343 km) to the northwest.
HISTORY
Recognized as an important center for more than eight centuries, Tallahassee has made the transition from an American Indian ceremonial ground to the head of government for the state, playing a central role throughout the development of Florida's history. Apalachee Indians populated the Tallahassee area from 500 to 1528, settling in villages and flourishing in the realms of agriculture and art. An expedition of Spanish travelers led by Panfilo de Narvaez arrived in 1528, marking the first meeting between Europeans and local Indians. From 1528 to 1607, Spanish invaders decimated the Apalachee population with warfare and new diseases brought from Europe. Creek Indians—emigrants from Georgia and Alabama—entered the region in 1725 and became known as Seminoles, meaning runaways. In 1763, the Tallahassee area became British property when Spain ceded Florida to England in exchange for Cuba. Spain regained possession of Florida in 1783, but in 1818 American General Andrew Jackson invaded Florida and drove the Seminole Indians out of Leon County. Four years later, the territory of Florida was created by an act of Congress, and in 1823, Tallahassee became the site of Florida government.
Founded in 1830 and now the oldest building in the city, the Columns served as the center of financial, political and social development in Florida's early history. Commerce flourished with the completion of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad in 1834, and in 1845 Florida became the 27th state. One of the 11 Southern states that separated itself from the United States to form a coalition called the Confederate States of America, Floridian soldiers repelled Union forces—the 22 Northern states—at the Civil War Battle of Natural Bridge in 1865, making Tallahassee the only uncaptured Confederate capital east of the Mississippi River.
Tallahassee's recent history is characterized by high annexation activity as a means of increasing growth. By 1979, Tallahassee had expanded from 160 acres (65 ha) to an area covering 16640 acres (6734 ha). Since then, 48000 additional acres (19425 ha) were incorporated, and by January of 2004, the city covered a territory of over 64000 acres (25899 ha). The majority of these annexations were achieved through a voluntary procedure whereby the owners of properties petition to be included in the city.
Today, Tallahassee is a neo-metropolitan city ripe with culture, politics and old-fashioned charm. Historic buildings reveal the essence of Tallahassee's past, while new venues, attractions and political structures solidify the city's role in Florida's future.
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For the most part, Tallahassee offers temperate and enjoyable weather. The city experiences a four season climate, but extremely high or low temperatures are rare. Tallahassee is exceptionally moist and humid, receiving 65 in (1651 mm) of rain per year. In the summer months of June, July and August, the temperature can reach up to 90°F (32°C), while the winter months of December, January and February yield temperatures that average 50°F (10°C). Visitors vacationing during the warmer seasons are advised to bring plenty of sunscreen and cool clothing.
TRANSPORTATION
A number of transportation services ensure visitors have no difficulty getting to Tallahassee and navigating the city's points of interest. By car, Tallahassee can easily be accessed by Interstate Route 10 from the east and the west, U.S. Route 319 from the northeast and U.S. Route 27 from the northwest. The Tallahassee Regional Airport is serviced by six national and regional airlines. The city can also be accessed by train aboard the transcontinental Sunset Amtrak Railway, which travels through Los Angeles, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami and a host of other major centers.
Inside Tallahassee, the city's public transit system, Taltran City Bus, operates 31 routes that cover the majority of the city, as well as campus shuttles at Florida State University and Florida A&M University. For visitors that desire more freedom, rental cars are available at the airport and several locations throughout the city.
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The Museum of Florida History |
Museums
The Museum of Florida History, opened in 1977, showcases artifacts and exhibits pertaining to past and present cultures in Florida. Nearly 44,000 items are on display at five Tallahassee venues: the Main Gallery, the Old Capitol, Union Bank, Mission San Luis de Apalachee and the Knott House, each delving into a different time period of Florida's history. The role that Floridians have played in national and global events is also explored.
Located on the Florida A&M University campus, the Black Archives Research Center and Museum features photographs, manuscripts, oral history tapes, art works and rare maps that relate to the history and culture of Africans and African-Americans. The museum is housed in the oldest building on campus, the 1907 Carnegie Library.
Automobile enthusiasts relish the chance to visit the Antique Car Museum, where an extensive collection of antique and collectible automobiles are on display, including Lincoln's 1860 horse-drawn hearse and the Batmobile from the 1992 film Batman Returns. In addition to cars, the museum houses a collection of sports memorabilia, antique toys, bicycles and rare artifacts.
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Pebble Hill Plantation |
Plantations
The Tallahassee area boasts one of America's largest concentrations of original plantations. The space between Tallahassee and Thomasville, Georgia—just 28 mi (45 km) away—is home to 71 plantations. One of the most impressive is Pebble Hill Plantation. Situated 25 mi (40 km) north of Tallahassee near Thomasville, Pebble Hill Plantation's main house was built in 1850 and showcases collections of 19th century furniture, porcelain, silver, crystal and glassware. The grounds of Pebble Hill are steeped in tradition, culture and elegant grandeur, and guests have the chance to learn about the plantation's history on guided tours—offered in five languages—that visit the cow barn, the stables, the carriage house, the carpenter's shop, the fire engine house, the cemetery and the garage.
Lake Jackson Mounds State Archaeological Site
Located at the tip of Lake Jackson, the mounds at this site are remains of a ceremonial center that existed between 1200 and 1500. Lake Jackson Mounds State Archaeological Site features six earth temple mounds, the largest of which towers 36 ft (11 m) and has a base of 278 ft by 312 ft (85 m by 95 m). A number of historical artifacts have been culled from the site, including copper breastplates, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and cloaks. The site also features a short hike that takes visitors past a grist mill from the 19th century. Interpretive programs and guided tours of the site are available upon request.
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The Brokaw-McDougall House |
This historic home is a fine example of 19th century antebellum architecture. Very few alterations have been made to the original Brokaw-McDougall House, which bears a Classical Revival-style with strong Italianate influence. Gas light fixtures, immense pocket doors and 14-foot ceilings patterned with molded plaster are a few of the special characteristics of this home. The gardens are embellished with massive oak trees and several varieties of camellias in bloom from January to March. Located in the city's Calhoun Street Historic District, the Brokaw-McDougall House is open to the public from Monday to Friday.
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Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens |
Covering 307 acres, Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens were started in 1923 by Alfred B. Maclay and his wife Louise on the grounds of their southern estate. In addition to native plants, the gardens are rife with azaleas, camellias and oriental magnolias. The Maclay House has been partially restored and now serves as an information center about camellias. Although the park was designed to be in bloom during winter and early spring—at which time the family occupied the residence—the abundance of trees and shrubs planted by the couple has fostered a milieu of year-round beauty.
Tallahassee is at the doorstep of Apalachicola National Forest, a haven of recreation that covers more than 500,000 acres. Ochlockonee river, which forms part of the park's northern boundary near Tallahassee, is a popular locale for water-based adventure, attracting boaters, rafters and fishermen. Miles of trails and roads facilitate hiking, horseback riding and off-road ATV excursions. Several recreation areas, many of which are fraught with amenities, make for easy enjoyment of activities ranging from swimming and waterskiing to camping and picnicking.
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Florida's New State Capitol Building |
A 22-story tower flanked by the house and senate chambers, both of which feature public viewing galleries, the new Florida State Capitol affords visitors the opportunity to see government in action from March to April. A panoramic view of the city is available from the 22nd floor, and guided tours are offered daily.
The Old State Capitol, adorned with candy-striped awnings and a stained-glass dome, has been restored to reflect its 1902 splendor. In 1978 the building was converted into a museum, which now houses special exhibits that explore the history of the building and the state. Guests are invited to take self-guided tours of the house and senate chambers, the supreme court, the rotunda and the governor's suite.
