Florida's Historic Capitol Building - Paperback

by Tiffany Baker (Author), Rachel Basan Porter (Author), Florida Historic Capitol Museum (Author)

Between 1824 and 1840, Florida's government functioned out of several log cabins and rented rooms in the newly established territorial capital of Tallahassee. In 1839, the federal government gave $20,000 to construct a permanent capitol building; the bones of the structure were laid by enslaved craftsmen. The first session took place in 1841, and additional funds requested each year ensured the capitol was complete when Florida entered the Union as the 27th state on March 3, 1845. Over the years, four significant capitol expansions reflected the needs of a growing state until a new and modern Capitol Complex, designed by architect Edward Durrell Stone, was completed in 1977. The aging former capitol was slated for demolition until the people of Florida spoke out in a successful campaign to save the historic building and restore it to its 1902 appearance. Highlighting the photographic collection of the State Archives of Florida, Florida's Historic Capitol Building reveals stories about the state's political past, the development of a capital city, and the legacy of an iconic Florida building.

Author Biography

Florida's historic capitol became a museum in 1982. The museum's exhibits and programs illuminate the past, present, and future connections between the people of Florida and their political institutions. Tiffany Baker serves as the museum director and Rachel Basan Porter serves as the director of research and programming at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. The Florida Legislature and the Florida Historic Capitol Foundation (FHCF) support the mission and work of this symbol of Florida's heritage.