Statehood / Establishing the Capitol

After Florida became a territory of the United States in 1822, both St. Augustine and Pensacola competed to become the Capital. In that era, most of Florida’s population resided in north Florida as peninsular south Florida was remote wilderness. Unable to come to an agreement, it was decided to locate the Capital at a point between the two cities. Tallahassee’s beauty attracted the search party and in 1824 the City of Tallahassee was created with a log cabin as the first Capitol. Visit the Historic Capitol of Florida with its signature candy-stripped awnings, originally built in 1845, for the story of Florida’s state government, and then check out the 22nd floor of the Capitol for today’s magnificent panoramic view of Florida’s Capital City.

22nd Floor of the Capitol at the Capitol Complex

400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Phone: (850) 488-6167
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One of only four state capitols in the U.S. featuring a panoramic view of the city from the 22nf Floor observatory/art gallery. House and Senate viewing galleries also come alive during the annual legislative session March – May.

Governor's Mansion

700 N. Adams
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Phone: (850) 488-4661
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This Southern mansion is patterned after Andrew Jackson’s home “The Hermitage” features antique furnishes and gifts from international dignitaries.

Historic Capitol Of Florida

Phone: (850) 487-1902
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Restored to its 1902 appearance with stained galss dome and candy-striped awnings, it houses the Florida Legislative Research Center and Museum, restored House and Senate Chambers, Supreme Court and Governor’s Suite

Knott House Museum

301 E. Park Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Phone: (850) 922-2459
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Enter this historic house and step back in time. Preserved in its 1928 decor, the uniquely furnished home is a portrait in time reflecting the lives of state official William Knott and his wife.

Museum of Florida History

500 S. Bronough St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Phone: (850) 245-6400
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For a real overview of the history of the Tallahassee region, the Museum of Florida History chronicles early Florida through more than 40,000 artifacts and permanent exhibits spanning from the prehistoric mastodon to Florida’s paleo-Indians, to the Spanish arrival, exploration and settlement and up to Florida’s industrial development. Museum of Florida History

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