In honor of the city of Tallahassee's bicentennial in 2024, the community united to build a replica of Florida’s first capitol—a log cabin that served as Florida's first legislative home.
Spearheaded by Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, the First Florida Capitol log cabin is now open to the public and available for special tours, as requested.
Dr. William Simmons of St. Augustine and John Lee Williams of Pensacola recommended Tallahassee as the site for Florida’s territorial capital in 1823. On March 4, 1824, Territorial Governor William Duval signed a proclamation designating Tallahassee as the new capital.
Shortly after, a log cabin Capitol building was constructed and served as the meeting place for the thirteen members of the Legislative Council.
THE HISTORY
OF FLORIDA'S
FIRST CAPITOL
April 9, 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the first American settler party to the new Florida capital of Tallahassee. More than a year later, the Pensacola Gazette provides some details of the arrival of this group of seven and is the basis of the video produced by Friends of First Florida Capitol.
While the settlement of Tallahassee and Middle Florida brought Florida further into the American fold, the tragic history of Native American displacement and the expansion of slavery was destined to be sadly repeated.
Learn how you can be part of the First Florida Capitol project as a volunteer and stay updated on the latest news and opportunities.
FIRST FLORIDA CAPITOL IS A
PROUD PARTNERSHIP OF
LET'S BE
SOCIAL!
