Florida's Historic Capitol
The seat of state government for more than a century -- before, in fact, Florida even was a state -- Florida's Historic Capitol is an important part of Tallahassee's historical and architectural legacy. Sometimes referred to as the Old Capitol, Florida's Historic Capitol is open daily for free tours and remains one of the city's top draws for tourists.
Tallahassee has been Florida's capital city since 1824, when it was located roughly halfway between the territory's largest cities, St. Augustine and Pensacola. A capitol building made of logs was begun but never finished. The present structure was completed in 1845, shortly before Florida became the 27th state in the union.
A number of changes and additions have been made over the years. A classical-style dome was added as part of the 1902 expansion designed by architect Frank Milburn. Architect Henry Klutho added two new wings and a marble interior in 1923. Separate wings for the House and Senate chambers were added at the north and south ends of the building in 1936 and 1947, respectively.
A new capitol complex was built in the 1970s, becoming the seat for the legislative and gubernatorial branches, and the Historic Capitol, as it came to be known, was barely saved from demolition. After immense pressure by Florida constituents to save the complex, it was restored to its 1902 appearance and opened for public tours in 1982.
Florida's Historic Capitol isn't just a dull walk through dry history. Using photographs, audio recordings and film and video archives, visitors can experience the people and events that have shaped Florida. It's a veritable journey through the colorful history of representative government in the Sunshine State.
More than 250 artifacts adorn 21 rooms open to visitors, including everything from furniture used by important historical figures, to various iterations of the state flag and cannons and other weaponry.
Architectural highlights include the elaborate art glass dome, red and white striped awnings, and a representation of the Florida State Seal over the entry columns.
The Historic Capitol hosts special exhibits and events throughout the year. The ground floor is also home to the Florida Legislative Research Center & Museum, dedicated to collecting and preserving significant research materials from Florida's legislative history, including photographs, important papers and oral histories.
Posted on Mar 13, 2011 by Christopher Lloyd
