Historical Hotspots in Florida's Capital

By Erin Marvin
Published: February 18, 2008
Last Updated On: September 1, 2011

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Tallahassee is full of surprising (and surprisingly entertaining) historical spots that give you a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Sunshine State.

"Historical site" and "hotspot" aren't often used in the same sentence, but Tallahassee breaks with tradition to offer cultural attractions that are not only educational, but downright entertaining.


Hotspot #1: Downtown Cultural District

What rhymes with "hot?" Affectionately referred to as "the house that rhymes," The Knott House is a must-visit on any historical tour of Tallahassee. Its poetic moniker is due to the short notes of verse attached to the home's Victorian furnishings by former owner and poet, Luella Knott (wife of politician William Knott). Built in 1843, the home once acted as temporary Union Headquarters; in fact, you can stand on the same front steps where, in 1865, Brigadier General Edward McCook announced the Emancipation Proclamation.

Just a few blocks away, the 1890 John G. Riley House further commemorates African-American history through multicultural outreach programs, special exhibits and walking tours.

Next stop is The Museum of Florida History and its life-size mastodon skeleton (a reminder of just how hot  history can be – especially if you lived at the end of the Ice Age). 

Of course, no visit to Florida's capital city is complete without a tour of Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Though the last state employee left in 1978, the grand building still welcomes visitors to tour the Governor's Suite, Supreme Court and Senate and House chambers.

Tallahassee is perhaps most well known for its political history, and many of the legislative decisions within the capital city were often made outside of the capitol building. One area hotspot that has historically been a hotbed of debate is Andrew's Capital Grill & Bar (for lunch, nosh on a "Bob Gra-HAM Burger," named after the influential state politician).

Each January, 150 varieties of camellias burst into full bloom and the Maclay House, a historic hunting lodge turned winter residence turned museum, opens for tours (through April). It's a sure sign that spring has sprung in Tallahassee.

Hotspot #2: On a Mission for History

History comes to life – literally – at Mission San Luis, thanks to costumed interpreters, reconstructed buildings, interactive exhibits and archaeological demonstrations.

Step back in time at this 17th-century fort, once the western capital of Spanish Florida (1656-1704), to experience a place where Spanish friars, soldiers, civilians and Apalachee Indians lived together. Peek inside the Apalachee council house, the largest known historic Indian building in the Southeast, see a re-created Franciscan church and wander through a Spanish residential area.

El Castillo de San Luis, a 17th-century fort, has been re-created with technical help from Walt Disney Imagineers. A 20,000-square-foot visitor center displays the reconstructed Apalachee chief's house.

The Tallahassee Museum also has several historical buildings onsite, including a farmhouse, barn, gristmill and blacksmith shop. The buildings combine to re-create a farm typical of this area during the late 19th century.


Hotspot #3: Taking it Outside

Things really start to heat up outdoors at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, which serves as a good example of one man's hobby making history. In the 1920s-1940s, when he wasn't busy making money, New York financier Alfred Barmore Maclay was designing his namesake ornamental gardens. Each January, 150 varieties of camellias burst into full bloom and the Maclay House, a historic hunting lodge turned winter residence turned museum, opens for tours (through April). It's a sure sign that spring has sprung in Tallahassee.

Another garden abloom with history is the circa 1840 Goodwood Museum & Gardens, one of the region's finest antebellum homes. Inside the Main House, now a museum, are original collections and furnishings; be sure to glance up at some of Florida's earliest frescoed ceilings.

Stroll through Goodwood Museum's sprawling 16-acre landscape of lawns and gardens (which include 13 outbuildings, a roller rink, aviary and reflecting pool), all awash in the colors and fragrance of heirloom plants and roses. It's a great place to spend some time with friends or family and create new memories of your own.

Just think of your vacation as history in the making.

For more information on cultural and heritage hotspots in Tallahassee, go to www.VisitTallahassee.com, or call the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-628-2866.